A minor boy, who sustained serious injuries in an arson attack a little over a month, died at the burn unit of Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) yesterday morning.
The death of Tanvir, 12, came after the death of his seven-year-old brother Tanim, who died at the burn unit six days after the incident.
Their 35-year-old mother Jhorna Begum also received injuries when miscreants set fire to their house on October 8.
Jhorna, who is now being treated at the burn unit in a critical condition, did not know until yesterday that neither of her sons is alive as her husband Khalilur Rahman told her that Tanim had been transferred to a private hospital for better treatment. She fainted after overhearing Khalilur informing the relatives of Tanvir’s death over phone shortly after the boy breathed his last.
“After she came round, she showed little reaction as she watched her son suffering immensely because of the burn injuries for more than a month. She consoled herself thinking that her son has eventually got some peace, said Khalilur, a lecturer at Sheikh Amanullah Degree College in Kolaroa of Satkhira.
On the night of October 8, the four were asleep, with Jhorna sharing the bed with her sons while Khalilur slept on the floor. The house suddenly started burning with a bang and neighbours later rescued them.
The victims were first admitted to Satkhira Sadar Hospital and were later taken to DMCH. Khalilur sustained minor injuries in the arson attack and recovered shortly afterwards.
Khalilur’s brother Tobibur Rahman, his son and some relatives carried out the attack as they were in dispute with Khalilur over lands. Tobibur was arrested and sent to prison as Khalilur had filed a case against him and several others after the incident. The other accused are on the run.
Sheikh Abu Saleh Masud, officer-in-charge of Kolaroa police station, said police were trying to nab the other accused.
“Its really horrible that relatives can subject a family to such brutality,” he added.