Hindu Man Burnt to Death in Narsingdi Garage Fire, Foul Play Suspected

Tragic Death in Narsingdi

Chanchal Bhowmik, a 25-year-old Hindu man, was found burnt to death inside a garage in Narsingdi, Bangladesh, on Friday night, January 23, 2026. Bhowmik, who was reportedly asleep at the time of the incident, was a mechanic and the sole breadwinner for his family, originally from Lakshmipur village in Cumilla. The incident has sparked concerns regarding the safety of minority communities in the region.

Suspicious Circumstances Emerge from CCTV

Initially, authorities considered the possibility that the fire was caused by a short circuit. However, surveillance footage from the area has introduced a new dimension to the investigation. According to Narsingdi Model Police Station Sub-Inspector (SI) Md. Ishaq Mia, CCTV cameras captured an unknown individual collecting paper and cloth, reportedly covered in automobile lubricants, from the vicinity before setting fire to the front of the garage. This evidence has led police to investigate whether the blaze was a deliberate act rather than an accidental electrical fault.

Ongoing Investigation and Community Reaction

The fire, which rapidly spread due to the presence of petrol and engine oil inside the car repair workshop located at Khana Bari Mosque Market near the Police Lines, trapped Bhowmik, whose body was charred beyond recognition. Fire service personnel were forced to break open the shutter to reach him. Narsingdi Superintendent of Police (SP) Abdullah Al Faruque confirmed that investigators are examining the footage and probing whether the fire was caused by an 'external factor' or an electrical fault. As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with Bhowmik's death.

The tragic event has drawn significant attention to the security situation for minorities in Bangladesh, particularly as the country approaches national elections scheduled for February 12, 2026. Locals and human rights groups have rejected claims of an accidental fire, with many calling for a thorough investigation into what they believe could be a premeditated killing.