Police have detained a 27-year-old man, identified as Nazmul Hasan Moni, on allegations of setting fire to the Kalshi slum in Pallabi, Dhaka.
Authorities from the Public Works and Local Government departments are preparing to file a case, in which the detained man is expected to be shown as arrested, police said.
According to slum residents, a quarrel broke out between a local shop and a youth in the settlement on Monday afternoon. Following the dispute, the youth allegedly issued threats of arson. A fire later broke out in the slum, after which residents reportedly beat the man and handed him over to police. He was given first aid while in custody and remains under police detention.
Pallabi Police Station Officer-in-Charge Hasan Basir told Dhaka Tribune that the accused has not confessed during interrogation. However, police suspect his involvement based on preliminary evidence. “A case is being filed and he will be shown as arrested in the case,” he said.
The fire broke out in the Kalshi slum on Monday evening. Fire Service and Civil Defence units brought the blaze under control after around two hours of efforts, deploying 15 units to the scene. The fire was fully extinguished around 3:30am. No casualties were reported.
