A seven-year-old girl was burned to death after miscreants allegedly locked her family inside their house from outside and set it on fire by pouring petrol in Lakshmipur’s Ramganj area early Saturday.

The victim was identified as Ayesha Akter, daughter of Belal Hossain, a local leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

The incident left three others, including two children, injured with burn wounds.

The incident took place late Friday night at Char Monsha village under Bhabaniganj Union of Lakshmipur Sadar upazila.

According to family members and local sources, Belal Hossain was sleeping at home with his wife and children when miscreants locked the door from outside and set the house ablaze. Trapped inside, Ayesha died on the spot while asleep.

Belal Hossain and his two daughters — Bithi Akter and Smriti Akter — sustained burn injuries as they failed to open the locked door. Locals later rushed to the scene and rescued them, taking them first to Lakshmipur Sadar Hospital.

Doctors referred the two injured children to Dhaka for advanced treatment, stating that their condition is critical. Belal Hossain, who serves as assistant organising secretary of Bhabaniganj Union BNP, is currently undergoing treatment at Lakshmipur Sadar Hospital.

Confirming the incident, Lakshmipur Fire Service Station Officer Ranjit Kumar Das said firefighters rushed to the spot after receiving information and brought the fire under control.

“One child was found dead and three others were rescued with severe burn injuries, two of whom are in critical condition,” he said.

Meanwhile, Lakshmipur Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Wahid Parvez said police and fire service personnel immediately responded to the incident.

“The injured were rescued and sent to hospital. An investigation is underway and legal action will be taken after identifying those responsible,” the OC added.