A night of unspeakable horror unfolded in Narsingdi’s Sangita area when a man allegedly set his wife, two sons, sister-in-law and nephew on fire while they were asleep. 

The incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday (22 October), leaving the victims critically burnt.

The accused, identified as Farid Mia, 44, a pickup van driver, is said by locals to be a drug addict. Those who suffered the brutal attack include his wife Rina Begum, 38, their sons Arafat, 15, and Tawhid, 6, as well as Rina’s sister Salma Begum, 34, and Salma’s son Farhad, 12.

According to police and local sources, Farid and Rina had long been entangled in domestic disputes. Rina had moved with her children to her father’s house in Sangita to escape the ongoing turmoil. But peace proved short-lived.

Around 2am, Farid allegedly entered the house with a bottle of petrol, doused the sleeping family members, and set them ablaze. He then locked the door from outside and fled the scene, leaving behind screams and flames that tore through the tin-roofed home.

Hearing cries for help, neighbours rushed to the spot, broke through the tin walls and rescued the victims. All five were taken to the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in Dhaka with severe burn injuries.

Salma’s father, Mahan Mia, broke down while speaking to reporters. “Farid is addicted to drugs. He has been torturing my daughter for years,” he said, his voice trembling. “That night, he burned them alive. I want justice for what he has done.”

Sub-Inspector Anik Kumar Guha of Narsingdi Model Police Station said, “We received a call through 999 and immediately rushed to the scene. The victims were rescued and taken to hospital. They have now been referred to Dhaka for advanced treatment. We are investigating the cause of the fire, and details will be known after the inquiry.”