Arson, vandalism hit Grameen Bank branch in Pabna
Photo: Agamir Somoy
Miscreants poured petrol, set fire, and vandalized at a branch of Grameen Bank in Dogachhi Bazar of Pabna Sadar Upazila on Wednesday.
Pabna Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Torikul Islam confirmed the matter.
During the incident, the nightguard and locals claimed that the attackers departed the scene while chanting “Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu” slogans.
Upon hearing the news, locals rushed to the scene and brought the fire under control. However, the branch manager said no significant damage occurred to the bank.
Grameen Bank Pabna Zonal Office AGM Asaduzzaman added, “Around 12:50 am, a group of miscreants set fire to the bank branch’s signboard and vandalized the building’s glass. While leaving, they poured petrol on the front part of the office and set it on fire. At that time, hearing the screams of the nightguard on duty, Abdul Waheb, the house owner, bank staff, and local people rushed forward and extinguished the fire.”
Dogachhi Branch Manager Md Hasibul Islam noted, “It cannot be said immediately who carried out this attack. The bank has no personal enmity or political dispute with anyone. Equal service is provided to everyone regardless of party or opinion.”
He added that miscreants hurled a bomb inside the bank during the attack. After breaking the window glass, the perpetrators threw a bomb inside. The nightguard sensed the danger and informed him, after which nearby residents rushed forward to bring the fire under control.
Regarding the safety of bank records, the branch manager said after receiving news of arson threats from various sources, officials had already moved necessary documents and files away in advance as a precautionary measure, preventing major losses.
Regarding legal action, he added that senior officials visited the scene and informed the administration, measures will follow the decisions of the administration and senior authorities after the investigation.
Describing the incident, nightguard Abdul Waheb Khan claimed that between 12:30 am and 12:45 am, a procession of 10-15 people approached the front of the bank. All of them wore helmets and covered their faces while chanting “Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu” slogans before launching extensive vandalism.
He added that the attackers hurled three cocktails inside the building and set fire using petrol brought in bottles. He realized what was happening upon hearing the sound of explosions and destruction, though locals did not immediately dare to step forward due to the tense situation and the attackers’ covered faces.
The nightguard noted that members of law enforcement agencies reached the scene around 3 am and then collected evidence.
OC Torikul said, “Upon receiving the news, a police patrol team visited the spot at night. In the morning, police went there again and collected necessary information. Legal action is underway.”
