Alim examinee set on fire at exam centre in Feni

A female examinee of Alim examination was set on fire inside the exam centre at Feni’s Sonagazi upazila today.

The victim age around 18 yers sustained almost 70% burn injuries and was taken to the burn unit of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, our Feni correspondent reports quoting Md Abu Taher, resident medical officer (RMO) of Feni Sadar Hospital.

She was a student of Sonagazi Islamia Senior Fazil Madrasa, was attacked as she lodged a case bringing harassment allegation against its principal, family sources claimed.

Mahmudul Hasan Noman, brother of Rafi, dropped her off at the gate of the centre at Sonagazi Islamia Senior Fazil Madrasa for appearing for the Arabic exam.

As she entered the centre, a few male students of the madrassa called her to the rooftop and threatened her to withdraw her case against Principal Mao Siraj Ud Doula, victim’s brother claimed.

“Upon silence of the victim in response to the threat, the students poured kerosene on her and set her on fire before fleeing the scene,” Noman told our local correspondent.

Hearing the victim’s screams, teachers and other students rushed to the rooftop and rescued her, said Md Nurul Amin, upazila secondary education officer, who was at the Madrassa office for work related to the exam during the time of the incident.

She was then sent to Sonagazi Health Complex and later to Feni Sadar Hospital from where doctors referred her to DMCH after primary treatment, RMO of Feni Sadar Hospital said.

Confirming the incident, Md Moyazzem Hosen, officer-in-charge (OC) of Sonagazi Model Police Station, said, “Police are giving utmost priority to the investigation of the incident and they are looking for the persons responsible,” the OC said.

On Wednesday, the victim and her family members filed a case against Mao Siraj Ud Doula, principal of Sonagazi Islamia Senior Fazil Madrasa, for sexually harassing her after calling her at his office.

The principal is currently in police custody in connection with the case. After his arrest on Wednesday, a group of the students waged demonstration for his release.