Nuruzzaman Kafi, a prominent coordinator of the July Movement, claimed on Wednesday that his house was set on fire as an act of revenge for the arson at Dhanmondi 32.
Speaking to media activists in front of his burnt home in Rajpara village of Kalapara upazila, Patuakhali, Kafi said: "If new houses are not built and the culprits are not arrested within seven days, a revolutionary government will be declared. If necessary, I will stand alone on the road in front of my house, and if I do, the traffic will be blocked all the way to TSC."
Kafi further said: "I have spoken against tyranny at the risk of my life, I have stood up for the people. Sheikh Hasina said that those who burned Dhanmondi would have their homes burned. My house was the first to be targeted in retaliation."
He added: "We never sought benefits from the government during the movement. We did not ask for advisory roles. All we wanted was the safety of the people and our own security. But today, I don't even have a home of my own."
Breaking into tears, Kafi said: "My father and brother have wept for me twice — once when I had to flee during the July movement and now after my home was burned down."
At that time, he accused members of the Awami League and its student wing, Chhatra League, of being behind the arson.
"70% of Awami League members are still active in the country. These fascists must be uprooted," he said.
Kafi urged law enforcement agencies to identify and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The fire broke out around 2am on Tuesday.
During the press briefing, Kafi's father, ABM Habibur Rahman, 59, and elder brother, Nurullah Al Mamun, 31, were present.
Habibur Rahman alleged that the fire was started after the house was locked from the outside. However, all family members managed to escape unscathed. He estimated the damages, including cash and jewellery, to be around Tk50 lakh.
Kalapara police station Officer-in-Charge (OC) (Investigation) Mostafizur Rahman said: "After the incident, we visited the scene. It is not yet clear how the fire started. The investigation is ongoing. No complaints have been filed so far."
