A man set his 37-year-old wife, a primary school teacher, on fire while she was asleep on Thursday.
Fatema Khatun, a teacher of Mohishbathan Government Primary School, is now at the crossroads of life and death with 25% burn injuries at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH).
Her sister Nurjahan Khatun said when Fatema, a mother of two, was asleep at her home in the city’s Bulonpur Ghoshpara area, her husband Sadikul Islam set her on fire by pouring kerosene over her at around 1am and fled the scene.
Informed by neighbours, Fatema’s family rescued her and took her to the hospital.
Dr Afroza Najnin, head of the RMCH Burn Unit, said: “Fatema suffered 25% burn injuries on her face, chest and hands. Her condition is critical as her respiratory tract has been affected.”
Nurjahan alleged that Sadikul had no job and he had been torturing Fatema since their marriage 20 years ago.
“My sister didn’t disclose the repression by her husband and maintained the relationship for social reasons. Now we’ll file a complaint against Sadikul,” she added.
Accused Sadikul, son of former ward councillor Sazzad Hossain, could not be contacted over the phone.
Mazharul Islam, officer-in-charge of Rajpara police station, said he was aware of the incident. “Action will be taken once we receive a complaint.”