A seven-year-old girl was burned to death in a deliberate arson attack on the house of a local BNP leader in Bhabaniganj of Lakshmipur’s Sadar upazila, turning a quiet night into a scene of horror and loss.

The deceased, Ayesha Begum, was the youngest daughter of Md Belal, assistant organising secretary of the Bhabaniganj union unit BNP.

Three other members of the family sustained burn injuries in the attack.

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Police and family members said Belal was sleeping in the house with his wife and children when unidentified attackers locked the two doors from outside, poured petrol around the house and set it on fire.

The flames spread quickly, leaving little chance to escape.

Ayesha Begum Binti, 7, was burned to death on the spot.

Belal and his two daughters—Smriti, 18, and Bithi, 13—suffered burn injuries.

Neighbours rushed to the house and rescued the injured, taking them to Lakshmipur Sadar Hospital.

As their condition deteriorated, Smriti and Bithi were later shifted to the Burn Institute in Dhaka.

Smriti’s condition was reported to be critical. Belal is currently receiving treatment at Lakshmipur Sadar Hospital.

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Officer-in-charge of Lakshmipur Sadar Police Station Wahid Parvez said police visited the scene after being informed.

“One child died and three others were injured in the fire. The incident is being investigated,” he said.

Fire Service Sadar station official Ranjit Kumar Saha said firefighters rushed to the spot after receiving the information and brought the fire under control after about one hour of effort.

The attack has left a family devastated and raised serious concerns over violence targeting homes at night, as investigators work to identify those responsible, locals said.

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