At least 18 people died after mobs set fire to five-star Zabeer International Hotel, owned by lawmaker and Jashore district Awami League general secretary Shahin Chakladar Monday night.
The blaze broke out at about 11:30pm, according to A M Mamun, assistant director of Jashore Fire Service.
The incident followed the resignation of Sheikh Hasina from the post of prime minister, which led to thousands of jubilant crowds taking to the streets in celebration. Major thoroughfares in the city were filled with people, and some of the crowd vandalised various landmarks, including a mural of the country鈥檚 founding president Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, a sculpture of Sheikh Russel, and the district Awami League office.
The Zabeer International Hotel, along with Chakladar鈥檚 house, office, and press, were set on fire by the mob. Initially, no rescue operations could be carried out at the hotel.
About an hour later, an Air Force helicopter rescued several trapped individuals. As the fire was partially brought under control, bodies began to be recovered from various floors of the 14-story hotel. Over 50 people were injured in the incident.
Fire service personnel arrived to extinguish the blaze, and some trapped individuals signaled for help from the 14th-floor balcony. A rescue helicopter attempted to land on the roof but failed. However, it managed to rescue a person who stood on the roof.
In addition to Chakladar鈥檚 hotel, other properties were attacked, including the house of Kazi Nabil Ahmed, MP for Jashore-3 (Sadar), located in Kazipara, the district Awami League office, and the Sheikh Russel sculpture.
