Sramik League Leader Accused of Orchestrating Bus Arson to Frame Protesters

Sramik League Leader Orchestrated Arson of BRTC Buses to Frame Protesters: Police Charge Sheet

In a bid to frame student protesters, Sramik League’s Bayazid Bostami unit president Didarul Alam allegedly ordered the torching of four BRTC buses in Chattogram during the July 2023 unrest, according to a police charge sheet.

Frustrated over being denied the lease of buses from the Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC), Didarul reportedly contracted Sohel Rana, an associate, for Tk 400,000 to set the vehicles ablaze. Sohel confessed to using brake oil and a stolen lighter to ignite the buses, based on Didarul’s instructions.

The arson occurred around midnight on 20 July 2023, near the BRTC depot's cleaning shade. Both Didarul and Sohel are currently in custody under charges filed under the Special Powers Act. The investigation, supported by CCTV footage and witness depositions, also links Didarul to a separate 2022 murder case tied to BRTC supervisor recruitment disputes.

Police say Didarul exploited his political influence during the Awami League’s tenure and resorted to violence when he failed to secure control over BRTC operations.

The Chattogram District and Sessions Judge Court is scheduled to hear the case on 14 May.