18-yr-old burnt alive by husband in Kushtia

Fire generated by a burning wood. Creative Commons.

Kushtia, Jan 12 -- An 18-year-old woman died after being allegedly set on fire by her husband over dowry in Mirpur upazila of Kushtia district on Tuesday.

The deceased was identified as Sumaiya Khatun, wife of Sadiqul Islam of the upazila.

Assistant sub-inspector Quamruzzaman of the Amla Police camp, said that the duo got married on December 16 last year and they had frequent fights, particularly over dowry.

“On Tuesday morning, Sumaiya was rushed to Kushtia General Hospital by neighbours who heard my screams. She succumbed to her injuries at night," said the officer.

Sumaiya’s father alleged that Sadiqul had demanded Tk 1 lakh for business purposes from him barely three days after their marriage.

"As I had failed to give him the money, he used to torture my daughter. A few days ago, Sadiqul sent Sumaiya to my house for money. I gave her some money but could not manage to arrange the entire dowry money. So, they killed my daughter," he said.

Golam Mostafa, officer-in-charge of Mirpur Police Station, said, “We have visited the spot and are now waiting for the woman's autopsy report before making any arrest." - UNB