A social activist died Thursday after unidentified assailants poured petrol on him and set him on fire in Muktagacha in Bangladesh’s northern Mymensingh district, police and local sources said.
Farhad Hossain, 35, jumped into a nearby body of water in an attempt to save himself after he was set ablaze Wednesday night. Local residents rescued him with severe burns and took him to a hospital, where he died the following day.
Farhad was the son of Abdus Sattar of the Madhyahisya area of Muktagacha municipality. He worked as a vegetable vendor but was better known locally for his social activism.
He was vocal in campaigns against drugs and was involved in various social movements, including demands for employment opportunities for unemployed people. Farhad had also announced his intention to run for Parliament in Bangladesh’s most recent national election.
Police and local sources said Farhad left his home at about 10 p.m. Wednesday. The assailants approached him from behind, poured petrol over his body, set him on fire and fled.
The flames quickly spread across his body. In severe pain, Farhad jumped into a nearby body of water in an attempt to extinguish the fire.
Local residents rushed to the scene after hearing his screams and rescued him in critical condition. He was initially taken to Muktagacha Upazila Health Complex.
As his condition deteriorated, he was transferred to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, where he died at about noon Thursday while undergoing treatment.
Family Suspects Drug Dealers
Farhad’s family believes the killing may have stemmed from hostility over his anti-drug stance and social activism. They suspect drug dealers may have been involved.
“My son was vocal against drugs and was involved in various social movements. Because of these activities, he developed hostility with a malicious group in the area. They are the ones who burned my son to death like this,” his father, Abdus Sattar, said.
Police have not established who carried out the attack or what motivated the killing.
Kamrul Islam, officer-in-charge of Muktagacha Police Station, confirmed the killing and said police had launched an investigation to identify those responsible and determine a motive.
Farhad’s body was kept at the hospital morgue for an autopsy. Police said legal proceedings were underway.
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