Locals set fire to a soil-carrying truck after a child was killed from being crushed by the truck at Daulatdia in Goalanda upazila of Rajbari on Sunday.
The deceased is Afia Akhtar, 7, daughter of Azizul Bepari. The child was studying in the local Chankhan Para Government Primary School.
Upon receiving information, firefighters from the Goalanda fire service station arrived at the scene and extinguished the flames.
Residents claimed that a powerful local syndicate had long been involved in illegal soil and sand trading near Daulatdia No-7 ferry terminal. Despite objections from the community, this illicit activity persisted, allegedly with the support of local authorities.
The accident occurred around 4pm on Sunday when the truck was en route to Char Chhattar outside ferry terminal to collect soil. Afia, a local child, was crossing the road when she was struck and killed instantly by the speeding vehicle. Bystanders vandalized the truck and set it on fire.
Md Milan Hossain, in-charge of the Goalanda fire service, confirmed that the fire had been extinguished and the victim's body was handed over to her family.
Goalanda Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Jyoti Vikas Chandra said that soil excavation and sand mining were illegal activities. Despite the prohibition, such activities were reportedly carried out, possibly even during daylight hours.
The UNO assured that appropriate legal action would be taken against those responsible, including the soil traders.
