Newlyweds, child killed in gas explosion just a month into their new life in Dhaka

A newlywed couple and their eight-year-old niece have died from burn injuries sustained in a gas explosion caused by a gas line leak at their rented home in North Badda, Dhaka. The deaths occurred over three days while they were undergoing treatment at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery.

The deceased are Fahima Akhtar, her husband Anwar Hossain Shahin, and their niece Hafsa. The explosion took place around 3am on July 21 at their rented house in the Bhatara area of North Badda. All three were admitted to the burn institute with severe injuries.

According to family sources, Fahima Akhtar, the youngest daughter of Golam Hossain from the Gomti Residential Area in Debiddar, had completed her HSC from Zafarganj Mir Abdul Gofur Degree College and was enrolled in honours. Alongside her studies, she ran an online business making cakes and selling clothes. About a month and a half ago, she had moved to Dhaka with her husband Shahin to start their new life together. They were also looking after Hafsa, the daughter of Fahima's elder sister.

Shahin died on Thursday night, little Hafsa on Friday, and Fahima, who had suffered burns to approximately 70 percent of her body, passed away on Saturday evening.

Hafsa was buried at the family graveyard in Sultanpur village, Debiddar, on Friday. Shahin was laid to rest at the family graveyard in Banguri village. Fahima's funeral was held on Sunday morning at the Chanmiah Market field in Gomti Residential Area, and she was buried beside her husband.

Fahima's father, Golam Hossain, alleged that the issue of the gas leak had been brought to the landlord's attention since they moved in. No action was taken, and he claimed the tragedy could have been avoided if timely measures had been implemented. The family has demanded a proper investigation and exemplary punishment for those responsible.