Kamrul Hasan: Bus driver Parvez Khan (45), who was critically injured in an arson attack on a school bus in Manikganj, has died from his burn injuries. Following his funeral and burial on Monday (17 November) night, deep sorrow as well as intense anger erupted in the area. Local residents and BNP leaders demanded the immediate arrest and maximum punishment of those involved in the incident.

According to local sources, on Thursday (13 November) evening, Parvez had parked the student transport bus of The Holy Child School and College at Falsatia bus stand in Shibaloy upazila and was resting inside. Around 1:30 a.m., unidentified miscreants set the bus on fire. The flames spread rapidly, leaving Parvez severely burnt. He was rescued and admitted to Manikganj General Hospital.

Later, the matter came to the attention of Afroza Khanam Rita—advisor to the BNP Chairperson, convener of the district BNP, and party-nominated candidate for Manikganj-3 constituency. On her initiative, Parvez was transferred the following day to the Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in Dhaka for advanced treatment. After two days in the ICU, he passed away on Monday morning around 8:45 a.m.

While in Saudi Arabia performing Umrah, Afroza Khanam Rita expressed deep shock upon hearing the news of Parvez’s death and instructed BNP leaders and activists to stand by the bereaved family. Later, senior leaders of the district BNP and its affiliated wings visited the family home in Orongabad–Baraibhikura and took part in the funeral prayers.

Among those present were former district BNP organizational secretary and member of the district convening committee Rafiquddin Bhuiyan Habu, former district Jubo Dal vice-president Md. Kabirul Islam Kabir, Sadar Upazila BNP joint general secretary Advocate Saiful Islam Ripon, district Jubo Dal convening committee member Engineer Rakibul Islam Babu, district Swechchhasebak Dal convener Advocate Jinnah Khan, district Chhatra Dal president Abdul Khalek Shuvo, general secretary Sirajur Rahman Khan Sojib, along with local dignitaries, school authorities and a large number of residents.

Parvez’s son Suman Khan said,
“My father was a simple driver. What wrong had he committed that he had to be burned alive in his sleep? We demand answers.”

After the funeral, district BNP convening committee member and Public Prosecutor of the District and Sessions Judge Court, Advocate A. F. M. Nurtaaz Alam Bahar, said:
“The killing of Parvez is a brutal act of arson terrorism. Those responsible must be arrested immediately and given exemplary punishment.”
He added,
“Burning an innocent man alive is a grave violation of human rights and the rule of law. The perpetrators must face exemplary justice.”

Bahar stated that party-nominated candidate Afroza Khanam Rita had assured full support to Parvez’s family.

Shibaloy Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) S. M. Aman Ullah confirmed that a Chhatra League leader had already been arrested in connection with the incident, and several others had been identified.
“No matter who they are, none of those involved will be spared,” he said.

The bus owner, Ashraful Islam, has filed a case naming several unidentified individuals. Investigators believe the attack may be part of a planned act of sabotage.

In recent weeks, sporadic incidents of arson and political violence across the country have heightened fears among the public. The attack on a school bus has raised serious concerns over the safety of children and the overall security situation.

Political analysts say that the current tense political climate, coupled with inadequate nighttime security along highways, is increasing the risk of such violent incidents.

Local residents and political observers in Manikganj note that the killing of Parvez is not only a law-and-order issue but also a socially and politically sensitive matter. They have called for a swift and transparent investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice.