Tensions escalated in Khanpur village under Sharifpur Union of Begumganj Upazila in Noakhali following the murder of 25-year-old Zubayer Hossain Rakib.
In protest against the killing, angry locals allegedly attacked, vandalized, and set fire to five houses belonging to suspected assailants on Sunday. The incidents took place around 10:30 am on the day, according to local sources.
Rakib, the son of Saudi expatriate Md Hanif, was a resident of the Bhola Gazi household in Ward No 6 of Khanpur village.
Witnesses said Rakib's relatives and other aggrieved residents carried out the retaliatory attacks. After receiving reports of the unrest, police rushed to the scene and deployed additional personnel to prevent further violence. Law enforcement officials took positions in the area shortly after noon, and authorities later said the situation had been brought under control.
Begumganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Shamsuzzaman confirmed that five houses were set on fire following the murder. Of those, two were completely destroyed, while three others suffered partial damage.
Police have launched separate investigations into Rakib's killing and the subsequent incidents of arson and vandalism. Additional police forces remain stationed in the area to maintain law and order.
