Chattogram: The residence of former Education Minister Mohibul Hassan Chowdhoury Nowfel in the Sholashahar area of Chattogram city was vandalised and an arson attempt was made early Friday, reportedly following his participation in a press conference in New Delhi, which was also joined by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The attack took place around 2:00am when unidentified miscreants targeted the house at Chashma Hill.

According to United News of Bangladesh, the house is the family residence of the late former Chattogram mayor ABM Mohiuddin Chowdhury. Following the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024, the family members vacated the property, leaving it unoccupied except for security personnel. Locals reported that several individuals arrived at the house, vandalised it, and attempted to set it on fire. A fire erupted in a pipeline in front of the house after a petrol bomb was hurled. The attackers fled as locals gathered at the scene.

Upon receiving information, firefighters and police promptly arrived at the location and managed to control the fire. In response to the incident, additional police forces have been deployed in the area to maintain security.

Officer-in-Charge of Panchlaish Police Station Md Zahedul Islam confirmed that police were alerted about the attack around 2:00am and responded immediately. “We are investigating the incident,” he stated. On August 5, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, currently in India, addressed a press conference virtually in New Delhi, attended by Nowfel. Locals suspect that the attack on Nowfel’s residence may be connected to his presence at the press conference.