New Delhi: In a tragic incident that underscores the escalating political chaos in Bangladesh, a mob set fire to a hotel owned by an Awami League leader in the Joshor district, resulting in at least 24 deaths, including an Indonesian national. The violence erupted late Monday night following the resignation and abrupt departure of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Locals and hospital officials confirmed the death toll on Tuesday, emphasizing the severity of the unrest.Hotel inferno claims livesThe attack targeted Zabir International Hotel, owned by Shahin Chakkladar, the district general secretary of the Awami League. Witnesses reported that the mob, opposed to the Awami League regime, set the hotels ground floor ablaze, with flames quickly engulfing the upper levels. Most of the victims were hotel guests who were unable to escape the rapidly spreading fire. A journalist from Dhaka reported, The dead included an Indonesian national. Joshor General Hospital doctors confirmed 24 fatalities, while fears linger that more bodies might be uncovered in the debris.#BREAKING: 25 people were killed and more than 150 hospitalized after Islamist mobsters in Jashore of Bangladesh set fire to Zabeer hotel located in Southwestern Bangladesh. Mobsters were looking for Shahin Chakladar, an MP of the toppled ruling party, the Awami League. pic.twitter.com/FukzySo1Tt— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) August 6, 2024Widespread violence and vandalismThe arson attack on the hotel was part of a larger wave of violence that erupted across the country following Hasinas resignation. Angry mobs vandalized residences and business establishments of Awami League leaders and activists nationwide. The unrest extended to the capital, where the partys central office on Bangabandhu Avenue was attacked.Political turmoil in BangladeshThe sudden resignation of Sheikh Hasina has thrown Bangladesh into a state of chaos. Her unexpected departure to India created a power vacuum swiftly filled by the military. As news of Hasinas resignation spread, Dhaka and other regions experienced intensified violence, with mobs vandalizing government properties and breaking into the former prime ministers residence to loot.This surge of violence marks a critical moment in Bangladeshs political landscape, raising concerns about the stability and future governance of the South Asian nation.
