Around 75% of the patients, who were injured in the devastating fire in Chittagong’s Sitakunda, and currently undergoing treatment at the Sheikh Hasina National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute in Dhaka are in critical condition.
Professor Abul Kalam, director of the institute, revealed the information while briefing the media on Monday.
As many as 16 people are currently undergoing treatment at the Sheikh Hasina National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute.
Four of the injured patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) are in very critical condition while eight are in critical condition.
Among them is Gausul Azam, a firefighter who sustained 80% burn injuries.
He is currently on life support, Professor Abul Kalam told Dhaka Tribune.
He said that all the victims of the fire undergoing treatment at the burn institute sustained injuries to their trachea and their condition was alarming.
Another firefighter, Robin, is undergoing treatment for the 60% injuries he suffered while in the line of duty, Sheikh Hasina Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute, Resident Dr SM Ayub Hossain told Dhaka Tribune.
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"I couldn't stand on my own feet after seeing my child," Robin's father said.
“My young son is almost dead. I told him yesterday afternoon, if he recognized me and he said yes. He did not speak anymore after that,” he added.
His father-in-law Hanif Ali, who was waiting in front of the ICU, said: "We spoke to Robin yesterday. He wanted to talk to his wife. We did not realize then that his condition would worsen more.”
He said that when he spoke to his wife Robin asked her to visit. “In reply she said, I will come tomorrow. You will recover soon.”
According to hospital authorities, all the victims aged 16 to 30 are critical but among them, two patients aged 60 are especially critical. They sustained 12% and 30% injuries.
Meanwhile, a 10-member medical board has been formed to treat the patients, said Director Abul Kalam.
He added that doctors from Dhaka Medical College Hospitals are also coming to help the patients.
He said that a team led by Dr Samanta Lal Sen, coordinator of Burn Institute, is now at Chittagong Medical College.
Around 10 people are likely to be transferred here, he added.
Those currently undergoing treatment at Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery are firefighters Robin Miah,22, and Gausul Azam, 22, Kamrul Hasan, 37, industrial police sub-inspector (SI), Khaledul Rahman, 58, depot security admin, Security Manager AKS Mokfarul, 65, Moinul Haque Chowdhury, 40, Amin,19, Md Faruk Hossain 45, Russell, 39, Masum Mia, 32, Formanul Islam, 32, Rubel Mia, 38, Faruk Hossain, 16, Mahibullah, 27, Nazrul, 48, and Sajib, 30.