A case has been filed four days after a deadly house fire in Lakshmipur that killed an eight-year-old girl and injured three others. The fire broke out late on December 19 at the home of Belal Hossain, an assistant organizing secretary of the Bhabaniganj Union BNP. Belal, who was also injured, lodged the case on December 23 at Sadar Model Police Station against unidentified assailants.

Police confirmed the filing, stating that an investigation is underway to identify those responsible. The incident left Belal’s daughter Ayesha Akter dead, while his two other daughters, Salma Akter Smriti (17) and Samia Akter Bithi (14), sustained severe burns. Smriti, with 90 percent burns, remains in critical condition at Dhaka Medical College Hospital’s burn unit.

Authorities have yet to determine the motive behind the arson. The case has drawn local attention amid heightened political tensions, as the victim’s father is a local BNP leader. Investigators are focusing on whether the attack was politically motivated or a personal dispute.