Miscreants stop bus in Sewrapara, open fire and set ablaze

Bangla Press Desk:   A group of unidentified miscreants opened fire and set a passenger bus ablaze in Dhaka’s Mirpur Sewrapara area early Friday.

The incident occurred around 7:00 am when a bus of Alif Paribahan was attacked shortly after it arrived at Sewrapara neighbourhood.

According to the driver, a group of men signalled for the bus to stop. Once it halted, the attackers reportedly beat up the driver and his assistant, forcing them off the vehicle. Passengers, alarmed by the situation, also fled.

Moments later, the assailants fired several gunshots at the front of the bus and set it on fire before fleeing the scene.

Police arrived promptly and managed to recover the torched vehicle.

Initial investigation suggests the incident may be linked to internal tensions within the transport company.

According to Mirpur Division Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mohammad Maksudur Rahman, several staff members were recently laid off and authorities believe that disgruntled former employees may have been involved in the attack.

Legal action is underway and CCTV footage from the area is being reviewed to identify the culprits, added the police official.

Meanwhile, the bus company alleged that a man previously involved in attacking their staff over extortion demands, may also be connected to the incident.

The police continue to investigate the motive and are working to apprehend those responsible.

BP/TD