Several shops belonging to BNP supporter Kalam Sardar were set on fire by unidentified miscreants late Sunday night, February 15, 2026, in Mula Market area of Hatiya upazila, Noakhali. The blaze destroyed seven shops, a microbus, and two autorickshaws, causing an estimated loss of around one crore taka. Fire service units, assisted by locals, managed to bring the fire under control after significant damage had already occurred.

Kalam Sardar stated that he is a supporter of the BNP’s electoral symbol, the paddy sheaf, and had recently received threats from rival groups. Mahbubur Rahman Shamim, the BNP’s central organizing secretary and candidate for Noakhali-6 (Hatiya), visited the site early in the morning and alleged that the attack was politically motivated due to support for the paddy sheaf. He urged the administration to investigate the incident and take appropriate action.

The incident has heightened local tensions ahead of the election, with calls for a thorough investigation into the politically charged arson attack.