A wave of concern swept through Bagmara, Rajshahi, on Tuesday evening after a local businessman, overwhelmed by personal distress, set fire to his own shop in a harrowing act of self-harm. The incident left the 53-year-old severely burned and caused extensive damage to his store, prompting an immediate response from police and the fire service.
The victim, Abul Kalam, a resident of Mugai Para village in the Auchpara Union, was rushed to the Burn Unit of Rajshahi Medical College Hospital for emergency treatment. Family sources revealed that this was not an isolated attempt; just one day prior, Kalam had tried to set fire to his own home, highlighting the intensity of his mental distress.
According to eyewitnesses, Kalam poured petrol inside his grocery shop before igniting it, then entered the flames himself. The fire spread rapidly, engulfing the premises. Local residents sprang into action, attempting to rescue him and control the blaze until the Bagmara Fire Station arrived. By approximately 8:00 pm, the fire service had brought the flames under control. Tragically, the shop and nearly all its inventory were destroyed. Preliminary estimates place the total financial loss at between BDT 600,000 and 700,000.
Incident Summary:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Injured Individual | Abul Kalam, 53 years old |
| Location | Mugai Para Market, Auchpara Union, Bagmara, Rajshahi |
| Incident Type | Attempted self-immolation in grocery shop |
| Time | Tuesday evening |
| Cause of Fire | Petrol poured and ignited by the victim |
| Injuries | Severe burns; admitted to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital |
| Estimated Loss | BDT 600,000–700,000 |
| Fire Service Response | Fire controlled by 8:00 pm |
Residents noted that Kalam had been under considerable emotional strain since a road accident several months ago. Hafiz Al Asad, headmaster of Mugai Para High School, added that a recent family dispute over land had further exacerbated his stress.
Bagmara police officer-in-charge Saidul Alam confirmed that preliminary investigations indicate Kalam deliberately set the fire. Authorities are now probing the broader circumstances behind the incident to understand what led to this desperate act.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as terrifying. One stated, “Before igniting the fire, Kalam scattered petrol around the shop. Then he entered the flames himself.” Another, Firoz Ahmed, confirmed he saw the act occur firsthand.
Medical professionals caution that Kalam’s recovery will be slow and protracted, with long-term treatment required to address his severe burn injuries.