Unveiling the Mystery with AI Technology: Not an AC Explosion, Two Killed in Fire Set to Burn Documents at BIAM

On February 28, 2025, a fire broke out in an office room at the Bangladesh Institute of Administration and Management (BIAM) Foundation in Eskaton, Dhaka, initially reported as an AC explosion by the Fire Service. The incident claimed the lives of an office assistant and a driver. However, after a three-month investigation, the Police Bureau of Investigation’s (PBI) Special Investigation and Operation Unit (SI&OU) revealed that it was not an AC explosion but a deliberate act of arson to destroy documents, resulting in an unintended double homicide.

The fire was set by pouring petrol to burn documents, with no initial intent to kill. The perpetrators were allegedly paid 10-12 lakh taka for the act. Using Artificial Intelligence (AI), PBI identified and arrested the suspects: BIAM administrative officer Zahidul Islam (38), the mastermind, and his hired accomplice, Md. Ashraful Islam (36). They were apprehended on July 25, 2025, in Kurigram and Dhaka.

At a press conference on July 28, 2025, held at PBI’s North (SI&OU) office in Kalyanpur, Dhaka, Special Superintendent of Police Abdur Rahman shared these findings. He stated that on February 27, 2025, at around 3:20 AM, a loud explosion occurred in Room 504 of BIAM’s building, destroying critical documents, bank records, checkbooks, land purchase agreements, electrical equipment, furniture, and the room’s AC unit. Office assistant Abdul Malek died on the spot, while the cooperative society’s secretary’s driver, Md. Faruk, succumbed to injuries at the National Burn Institute.

A case was filed at Hatihjheel Police Station by Md. Mashiur Rahman, retired secretary and general secretary of the BCS (Administration) Welfare Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited, against unknown perpetrators. After two months of investigation by Hatihjheel police, PBI took over on May 6, 2025, with SI Mohammad Golam Mawla appointed as the investigating officer.

PBI’s specialized team analyzed CCTV footage from the incident, identifying a masked suspect, aged approximately 30-35, entering the building and disabling the CCTV system. Using AI, PBI identified Ashraful Islam, who confessed to his involvement and implicated Zahidul Islam, who was arrested in Bashundhara, Dhaka. Ashraful revealed that Zahidul, a known associate, hired him for the task, promising 10-12 lakh taka. On the day of the incident, Ashraful disabled the CCTV, while Malek and Faruk set fire to documents in Room 504, leading to the fatal explosion.

Both suspects were presented in court on July 26, 2025, where they provided confessional statements under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. Abdur Rahman emphasized that AI and intelligence-based efforts were crucial in solving the case.