The residence of former Education Minister Mohibul Hassan Chowdhoury Nowfel in the Sholashahar area of Chattogram city was vandalised and an arson was made early Friday, reportedly following his participation in a press conference in New Delhi, which was also joined by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The attack took place around 2:00am when unidentified miscreants vandalised the house at Chashma Hill.

The house is the family residence of late former Chattogram mayor ABM Mohiuddin Chowdhury. Following the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024, the family members left the house, which has remained unoccupied except for security personnel.

Locals said several people came to the house, vandalised it and attempted to set it on fire. At one point, a fire broke out in a pipeline in front of the house after a petrol bomb was thrown. When locals arrived at the scene, the attackers fled.

On information, firefighters and police rushed to the spot and brought the fire under control.

Additional police were deployed in the area following the incident.

Officer-in-Charge of Panchlaish Police Station Md Zahedul Islam said police received information about the attack around 2:00am and immediately went to the scene. “We are investigating the incident,” he said.

On August 5, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently staying in India, spoke virtually at a press conference in New Delhi, which was attended by Nowfel.

Locals believe the attack on Nowfel’s residence may have been linked to his participation in the press conference.