Husband dies, wife still on life support

Ashikuzzaman Khan, a computer engineer, who was injured in the deadly fire in Old Dhaka's Armanitola on April 23, died on Wednesday night while undergoing treatment at Sheikh Hasina National Burn and Plastic Institute.

He breathed his last at the Intensive Care Unit of the institute around 11:45pm, said Dr Samanta Lal Sen, chief coordinator of the institute.

With Ashiquzzaman and another injured Shafayat Hossain, who died on Sunday, the death toll now stands at six.

Ashiquzzaman and his newlywed wife Israt Jahan Mona, also a computer engineer, suffered serious inhalation injury when the fire broke out on the ground floor of the six-storied Musa Mansion on April 23.

They were on life support since April 24.

"We tried our best for both of them, but failed. Mona is still on life support, and her condition is not satisfactory", said Dr Sen.

The couple tied the knot around one and a half months ago. Their wedding reception was yet to be held. He was at his in-laws' house in Armanitola during the incident.

Ashiquzzamman, who hails from Mymensingh, completed his Computer Science and Engineering from Buet. He was looking for a job.

According to his maternal uncle Md Jashim, his body had been taken to his village home, where he'll be buried.

"Ashik's father, a former Saudia Arabia migrant, left no stone unturned to support his talented son. We were very optimistic that he would do great in his life. He was well-known in his village for his talents," he added.

"We dreamt for a grand reception once he manages a job. But our dreams became nightmares, with the fire," said Jashim. "We want everyone responsible for this fire held accountable and given exemplary punishment."

Jashim also demanded compensation for the death of Ashik.

Ashikuzzaman left behind his parents and younger brother.

Meanwhile, family members of Mona got released from DMCH yesterday.

According to Mona's maternal uncle Golam Kabir, "They are currently at their elder daughter's home at Narayanganj. They have been going through a trauma since the death of their youngest daughter Sumaiya and son-in-law Ashik," he said.

"Mona is also at the crossroads of life and death," he added.

According to Dr Sen, among the 23 injured people, Mona and another is undergoing treatment currently, while the rest have been released by Wednesday.