Natore: A night of political violence left two people dead in Singra upazila of Natore district early Thursday, as a college teacher was reportedly hacked to death and a woman was burnt alive after her house was allegedly set ablaze.

According to United News of Bangladesh, the deceased were identified as Rezaul Karim, 53, an assistant professor at Bil Haloti Trimohoni College and a member of Singra Upazila’s Zia Parishad, and Sabia, 75, mother of local Awami League activist Abdul Wahab. The incidents occurred in the Kumarpara area within a short span of time, causing panic among local residents.

Officer-in-Charge of Singra Police Station ASM Abdur Noor reported that a group of assailants arrived on a motorbike around 11pm and called Rezaul Karim out of his house. He was then hacked indiscriminately, resulting in his death on the spot.

Shortly after this incident, a fire erupted at the house of Abdul Wahab. Sabia, who was inside the house at the time, became trapped and died in the blaze. Police suspect that supporters of Rezaul Karim may have set the house on fire, suspecting Wahab’s involvement in the murder of the college teacher.

The OC noted that the matter is still under investigation. Fire service personnel and police rushed to the scene following reports of the fire and later recovered the bodies of both victims.

The back-to-back incidents have shocked the local community, raising concerns over political tensions and retaliatory violence in the area. Police stated that legal action will be taken in connection with both deaths, and investigations are underway to identify those responsible.