At least 24 people, including an Indonesian national, died when a mob set fire to the Zabeer International Hotel in Jashore, Bangladesh on Monday night, August 5, 2024. The hotel, owned by Awami League leader Shahin Chakladar (ruling political party), became a target of unrest following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and flight from the country.
Witnesses reported that the mob ignited the ground floor, quickly spreading the fire throughout the hotel and trapping guests and staff inside. Fire service personnel faced obstructions from the mob, delaying their efforts to extinguish the blaze and rescue those trapped. An Air Force helicopter was used to rescue individuals from the roof. Many victims died from suffocation due to the smoke.
Shahid Ali, a 36-year-old Assam exporter from India, stayed at the hotel. He survived a desperate leap from the second-floor balcony but sustained leg fractures. His brother Faizan escaped with minor burns.
A hospital spokesperson informed local media that over 150 patients have been admitted. Medical officials are concerned that the number of fatalities may increase as the search for bodies progresses, indicating that the situation is critical.
The attack is part of a wave of violence that followed Prime Minister Hasina’s resignation. The unrest began as a protest against a government jobs quota system and evolved into a national movement demanding her ouster. Youth unemployment, economic issues, and dissatisfaction with the ruling party further fueled the protests.
International observers, including the United States and China, have expressed concern over Bangladesh’s political instability. There have been unsubstantiated reports of attacks on Hindu homes and businesses in various districts across Bangladesh, raising further concerns about security and order in the country.
India, sheltering former Prime Minister Hasina as she attempts asylum in the UK and other countries, has evacuated non-essential staff from its embassy in Bangladesh. Former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who was released from house arrest, has called for unity to rebuild the nation, emphasizing the need to address the country’s grievances and ensure a peaceful transition.
As Bangladesh navigates this political crisis, the focus remains on providing justice for the victims and preventing further violence.