A horrifying incident in Amirpur village of Sunamganj’s Surma Union has claimed the life of 68-year-old Selima Khatun, who was fatally burned when a mosquito coil ignited a fire in her home. The tragedy occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, 4 March, leaving the local community in shock.
Selima Khatun, the wife of local resident Nazrul Islam, was resting alone in one of the rooms after dinner, according to neighbours and police reports. Her husband and their young son were sleeping in separate rooms at the time. The flames, which are believed to have originated from a burning mosquito coil, quickly spread to her bedding and engulfed the room before anyone could intervene.
Neighbours rushed to help after noticing smoke. Marfat Ali’s wife, Rahela Begum, recounted: “I was preparing breakfast when I saw smoke rising from Nazrul Islam’s house. I alerted others immediately. The villagers came quickly, but unfortunately, we could not save her from the fire.”
Nazrul Islam expressed his grief: “I was sleeping in another room. By the time I returned after hearing the noise, the room was completely ablaze. We tried to extinguish the fire with water and sand, but my wife had already succumbed. My son confirmed that the fire started from the mosquito coil.”
Afsan Parvez, a ward member of Surma Union Parishad, confirmed: “We rushed to the scene at night and found that the woman had died in the fire. The police were informed immediately.”
Ratan Sheikh, Officer-in-Charge of Sadar Model Police Station, said: “The body was recovered at dawn. Preliminary investigations indicate the fire originated from a mosquito coil. The majority of the victim’s body was burned. Legal procedures will be followed in accordance with the law.”
This tragic incident has once again highlighted the importance of caution when using mosquito coils indoors, particularly at night. The local community has expressed deep sorrow and concern, viewing the event as a grim reminder of how minor carelessness can have fatal consequences.
Incident Summary
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim Name | Selima Khatun |
| Age | 68 years |
| Address | Amirpur village, Surma Union, Sunamganj |
| Date & Time | 4 March, early morning |
| Cause of Fire | Mosquito coil igniting bedding |
| Husband | Nazrul Islam |
| Child | Young son, sleeping separately |
| Witness Statement | Rahela Begum: “Villagers tried to extinguish the fire but could not save her.” |
| Police Statement | OC Ratan Sheikh: “Legal action will be taken.” |
The incident serves as a sobering lesson to households across the region: even a small lapse in fire safety, especially with common household items like mosquito coils, can result in irreversible tragedy.