In a tragic incident in Narayanganj, nine members of a single family sustained severe burn injuries following a fire that engulfed their home in Hirajhul village, Siddhirganj, Narayanganj, in the early hours of Saturday, 23 August 2025. The blaze, suspected to have been triggered by a gas pipeline leak, has left the community in shock and the victims fighting for recovery.
Fire Breaks Out in Semi-Pucca House
The fire erupted around 3:00 AM in a semi-pucca house, according to Dr Sultan Mahmud Shikdar, resident surgeon at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery, who cited a family member, Rakibul. The affected family members include Tanjil Islam, 40, his wife Asma Begum, 35, and their children, Trisha Akter, 17, and Arafat, 15. Also injured were Asma’s sister, Salma Begum, 32, her husband Hasan, 35, and their three children: one-month-old Imam Uddin, Jannat, 4, and Muntaha, 11. Tanjil and Hasan, both day labourers, now face not only physical recovery but also the emotional and financial toll of this tragedy.
The fire rapidly spread through the house, leaving the family with little time to escape. Local residents and emergency services rushed to the scene, but the intensity of the blaze caused significant harm before it could be brought under control. The victims were immediately taken to the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery for urgent treatment.
Extent of Burn Injuries and Medical Response
The injuries sustained by the family are severe, with some victims facing life-threatening conditions. Dr Sultan reported that Trisha Akter suffered burns over 53 percent of her body, while Asma Begum sustained 48 percent burns. Hasan, Salma’s husband, endured burns covering 44 percent of his body, and their daughter Jannat has burns over 40 percent. Muntaha, the 11-year-old, suffered 37 percent burns, and the youngest, one-month-old Imam Uddin, sustained burns across 30 percent of his tiny frame. Arafat, aged 15, has burns covering 15 percent of his body. Tanjil, fortunately, received first aid and is in a relatively stable condition compared to the others.
Medical teams at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery are working tirelessly to stabilise the victims. The severity of the burns, particularly for Trisha, Asma, Hasan, and Jannat, requires intensive care and long-term treatment, adding to the family’s distress. The hospital has assured that all necessary measures are being taken to support the victims’ recovery, but the road ahead remains challenging.
Suspected Cause: Gas Pipeline Leak
Preliminary investigations point to a gas pipeline leak as the likely cause of the Narayanganj fire. Such incidents are not uncommon in densely populated areas where infrastructure maintenance can be inconsistent. The exact circumstances leading to the leak are under investigation, with authorities expected to release a detailed report soon. This tragedy underscores the urgent need for improved safety standards and regular inspections of gas pipelines in residential areas to prevent such devastating incidents.
Community and Official Response
The Narayanganj fire has prompted an outpouring of grief and support from the local community. Neighbours and volunteers have come forward to assist the family, who have lost their home and possessions in the blaze. Local authorities have promised to investigate the cause thoroughly and provide assistance to the affected family. The incident has also reignited discussions about fire safety regulations and the need for public awareness campaigns to educate residents on preventing such disasters.
The emotional impact on the Hirajhul village community is palpable, as families rally to support the victims during this harrowing time. The resilience of the community, coupled with the determination of medical professionals, offers a glimmer of hope amidst the tragedy.
This devastating Narayanganj fire serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by unchecked infrastructure issues. As the affected family battles severe burn injuries, the focus must now shift to ensuring their recovery and preventing future incidents through stringent safety measures. Southasiandesk.com will continue to monitor developments in this heartbreaking story, providing updates on the victims’ recovery and the ongoing investigation into the fire’s cause.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, August 23rd, 2025
Follow SouthAsianDesk on X, Instagram, and Facebook for insights on business and current affairs from across South Asia.
