RAOZAN, CHATTOGRAM – In a harrowing incident that has heightened fears within the local minority community, two Hindu families in Raozan Municipality narrowly escaped a suspected arson attack in the early hours of Monday, December 23, 2025. Assailants allegedly locked the residents inside their homes from the outside before setting the structures on fire, forcing the trapped families to cut through bamboo and tin walls to flee.

The Incident

The attack occurred around 3:45 AM in the West Sultanpur village of Ward 5. The targeted homes belonged to Sukh Shil, an expatriate working in Dubai, and Anil Shil, a day laborer. A total of eight family members were asleep inside when the fire broke out.

According to survivors, they woke up to the smell of smoke and the heat of the flames. However, when they attempted to escape through the main doors, they found them latched from the outside—a tactic seemingly designed to trap them inside the burning structures. Desperate to survive, the residents used tools to cut through the back partitions of their homes, which were constructed of tin and bamboo, and managed to escape just as the fire engulfed seven rooms.

Devastating Losses

While the families survived physically, the financial toll has been severe. Mithun Shil, the son of Anil Shil, had returned from the UAE only three months ago for his wedding. He reported that the fire destroyed his passport, household furniture, and approximately 80,000 to 90,000 BDT in cash.

“We rushed to the doors only to find them hooked from the outside,” Mithun told local reporters. “We had to cut the fence to get out. Everything I had is gone.”

A Disturbing Pattern

This incident appears to be part of a coordinated series of attacks in the region. It marks the third similar event in Raozan within a single week:

  • Thursday, Dec 19: The home of Sadhan Barua in Keutia Baruapara (Sadar Union) was set on fire.
  • Friday, Dec 20: Two Hindu homes in Dheuwapara (Ward 8) were targeted using the same modus operandi—locking the doors from the outside before igniting the fire.

Official Response

Local administration and law enforcement have visited the scene and promised action. Raozan Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) S.M. Rahatul Islam and Assistant Commissioner (Land) Angching Marma inspected the site on Monday morning. The administration provided immediate relief, including 25 kg of rice, 5,000 BDT in cash, and blankets to the affected families.

Raozan Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Sajedul Islam confirmed the details of the attack. “We received the news at 4:00 AM. The miscreants had latched the doors with hooks before setting the fire. We are actively trying to identify and apprehend those responsible,” he said.

Police cases have been filed regarding the previous incidents, but the repetition of this specific, dangerous tactic has left the local Hindu community in a state of panic, demanding greater security and swift justice.

Hindu Homes Allegedly Set Ablaze In Chittagong

This video report from News9 provides English-language coverage of the arson attacks in West Sultanpur, corroborating the details of the locked doors and the targeting of minority homes.