Manager set on fire after refusing free liquor in Narsingdi

A manager of a licensed local liquor shop was allegedly doused with petrol and set on fire in Narsingdi after he refused to give 10 litres of liquor for free.

Tanvir Ahmed Rabbi, 30, is now undergoing treatment in the ICU of the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in Dhaka.

Rabbi’s mother, Minu Begum, filed a case with Narsingdi Model Police Station on Monday night over the incident.

Rabbi, son of Monir Mia of Beparipara in Narsingdi municipality, works at a licensed local liquor shop in Library Patti in the Bajirmor area.

According to the case statement, Jahangir Sarkar, 60, went to the shop around 2:30 PM on Saturday and demanded 10 litres of liquor free of charge. When Rabbi refused, Jahangir allegedly abused him and forcibly took 10 litres of liquor before leaving.

A short while later, Jahangir’s son Zahid Sarkar, 26, allegedly came to the shop with several others. They allegedly found Rabbi, poured petrol over him and set him on fire with a match before fleeing the scene.

Other employees at the shop immediately put out the fire with water. Rabbi was taken to Narsingdi Sadar Hospital in critical condition.

As his condition deteriorated, doctors referred him to Dhaka Medical College Hospital. He was later referred to the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery, where he is currently receiving treatment in the ICU.

Rabbi’s wife, Nipa Akter, said 38 per cent of her husband’s body, including his face, was burnt. She said his respiratory tract was also burnt and his lungs were damaged.

“The doctors have said his condition is critical. If anything happens to my husband, I will be left helpless with our child. I want justice for this brutal incident,” she said.

Rabbi’s father, Monir Hossain, said he is suffering from cancer and had recently returned home after receiving treatment at a hospital.

“My son was supporting our family. He was set on fire after petrol was poured over his body. He is now suffering in hospital. I want exemplary punishment for those responsible,” he said.

Attempts to contact the accused by phone for their comments were unsuccessful.

Narsingdi Model Police Station OC ARM Al Mamun said a worker was set on fire after refusing to provide liquor free of charge.

“A case has been filed against the father and son. Efforts are underway to arrest them,” he said.

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