The office of the banned political organisation, Awami League, was vandalised and set on fire in Khulna city on Sunday night, hours after a group of party leaders and activists briefly reopened it and held a programme there.
The incident occurred around 8:00 PM at the office located in Shankha Market area on Lower Jashore road in the district.
According to sources, the office had remained closed following restrictions on party activities.
Earlier in the afternoon, several individuals entered the premises, hoisted party flags, placed portraits of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, and offered floral wreaths before leaving the area.
Videos of the afternoon incident were later circulated on social media.
Later in the evening, a group of students came to the office, vandalised the premises and set it on fire. The portraits displayed inside the office were damaged and shortly afterwards the fire was brought under control.
Confirming the incident, Khulna Police Station officer-in-charge (OC) Md Kabir Hossain said that police are reviewing CCTV footage from nearby establishments to identify those who opened the office.
No casualties were reported and an investigation is underway, added the OC.
SMS/AM
