Death toll rises to 24 in Jashore's Zabeer International Hotel fire
Jashore Correspondent
The death toll in the fire at the five-star Zabeer International Hotel has risen to 24, following an arson attack on Monday night.
The hotel, owned by Shahin Chakladar, General Secretary of Jashore District Awami League and Member of Parliament, was set ablaze by mobs around 11:30pm, according to A M Mamun, Assistant Director of Jashore Fire Service and Civil Defense.
The incident occurred in the wake of Sheikh Hasina's resignation as prime minister, which led to thousands of jubilant crowds taking to the streets in celebration.
Read More: 18 die as Zabeer International Hotel torched in Jashore
Major thoroughfares in the town were filled with people, and some of the crowd vandalized various landmarks, including a mural of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, a sculpture of Sheikh Russel, and the district Awami League office.
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.
