A 22-year-old woman died after being allegedly set on fire by her husband and in-laws in Rangpur’s Mahiganj area over dowry demands, triggering widespread outrage and a murder investigation.
The victim, Rezwana Dil Afroz, succumbed to her injuries on Friday evening while undergoing treatment at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in Dhaka.
Police have so far arrested three people, including her husband, in connection with the incident.
Confirming the matter, Mahiganj Police Station officer-in-charge Abdul Quddus said that a murder case has been filed against five individuals, including Rezwana's husband, in-laws, and sister-in-law.
"We have already arrested three persons for their alleged involvement in the incident.A manhunt is underway to capture the remaining accused," he told reporters on Saturday.
Family members of the victim alleged that Rezwana had been subjected to repeated abuse since her marriage three years ago. At the time of her marriage to Rezaul Karim, the family had paid Tk 5 lakh in dowry. However, the demands allegedly continued.
On June 5, Rezwana was reportedly assaulted again for failing to meet further dowry demands. Just three days later, on June 8, she was allegedly doused in kerosene and set ablaze by her husband and in-laws. Initially taken to Rangpur Medical College Hospital, she was later transferred to Dhaka for advanced treatment where she passed away.
“She was tortured constantly. When they didn’t get more money, they burned her. Instead of saving her, they locked the door and later claimed she tried to commit suicide,” said the victim’s father Rezaul.
Rezwana leaves behind a one-and-a-half-year-old son.
The brutal killing has once again brought the spotlight on the pervasive issue of dowry-related violence in Bangladesh. Women’s rights groups and local residents have called for swift justice and stricter enforcement of anti-dowry laws.
Police say the investigation is ongoing and all perpetrators will be brought to justice.
LY/HKJ
