Mymensingh District Correspondent 
A youth was doused with petrol and set on fire in Muktagachha Upazila of Mymensingh. After setting his body on fire, he could not save himself even by jumping into the water. He died while undergoing treatment at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital on Thursday (September 10) afternoon, the day after the incident, said Muktagachha Police Station OC Kamrul Islam.
The victim told his relatives before his death that a group of people had doused him with petrol and set him on fire in the Madhyahisya area of Muktagachha Municipality around 10 pm on Wednesday.
The deceased, Farhad Hossain (35), is the son of Abdus Sattar of the area. He was a vegetable seller by profession. He was involved in various social movements, including demanding employment for the unemployed.
In addition, Farhad had announced that he would be a candidate for the 13th National Parliament election.
Police and relatives said that Farhad left the house around 10 pm. At that time, a group of people poured petrol on Farhad’s body from behind and set him on fire and fled. He later jumped into a nearby pond.
Local people came to rescue him after hearing Farhad’s screams and first took him to Muktagachha Upazila Health Complex. When his condition deteriorated, doctors transferred him to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital. Farhad died while undergoing treatment there around 12 noon.
Farhad’s father Abdus Sattar said that his son was involved in various social movements, including organizing various programs against drugs. Farhad had a dispute with some people over these. He suspected that they could have caused this incident.
OC Kamrul Islam said that the police spoke to Farhad while he was hospitalized. His statement was recorded. Farhad said that as soon as he left the house and went to a secluded place some distance away, someone sprinkled petrol from behind. Another person set him on fire. However, Farhad also said that he could not recognize any of them, said the OC.
He said that an investigation is underway into why or for what reason the arson incident occurred. The body is in the hospital morgue. Legal action is being taken in this incident.
