Expat sets fire to himself, four others over family dispute in Sutrapur

An expatriate set fire to himself and four relatives over a family dispute in the capital’s Sutrapur area on Saturday afternoon.

All the five were rushed to the National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute with critical conditions, with the self-immolator suffering injuries to over 90% of his body, said the hospital’s Resident Surgeon Dr Sultan Mahmud.

The incident took place around 4pm on Saturday at the Shambazar Chamakdhuli area in Sutrapur.

The victims are: Siddik Bepari, 60, his son Md Emon, 26, nephew Razib, 38, nephew Arifur Rahman Dhalu, 35, and niece Taniya Akter, 20.

Md Emon is also a Saudi expatriate and the perpetrator behind the fire incident.

According to the wife of Arifur Rahman Dhalu, all the victims own family property in the area, and their houses are placed side-by-side.

Emon returned to Dhaka from Saudi Arabia on Friday, and immediately got involved in a family discord, Dhalu’s wife, Sonia, told reporters.

Emon’s sister, Sultana, informed him that Taniya had engaged in a quarrel with her earlier on Friday. Sultana poured some dirty water or put the container of some dirty water in front of the family residence, prompting Taniya to ask for its removal, Sonia told reporters.

The issue swiftly turned sour, Sonia added.

On Saturday, the next day, Emon threatened everyone that he would kill himself and take others down with him.

He immediately poured petrol on himself and the victims, before setting fire to all his targets. Upon noticing the crime, the locals rushed them to the National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute.