Cigarette meets hand sanitizer: Doctor couple burnt in Dhaka

A doctor couple on Wednesday suffered severe burn injuries from a fire that reportedly originated when a lit cigarette came into contact with a bottle of hand sanitizer.

The incident occurred at their apartment in the capital’s Hatirpool area at around 1am on Wednesday.

The injured husband and wife are Rajib Bhattacharjee, 36, a neurosurgeon at the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, and Anushua Bhattacharjee, 32, a doctor at Dhaka Central International Medical College and Hospital in Shyamoli.

The couple are currently undergoing treatment at the Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery. 

Speaking to Dhaka Tribune, Dr Samanta Lal Sen, chief coordinator of Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery, said: “Rajib has been put on life support as he sustained 87% burns. His wife Anushua sustained 20% burns.”

According to Sudeep Dey, a friend of Rajib and also a doctor, Rajib was smoking a cigarette while pouring hand sanitizer from a big gallon into a smaller bottle. 

“Suddenly, the cigarette came in contact with the hand sanitizer and started a fire, which spread rapidly. 

“His wife sustained burns while trying to douse the fire to save him,” he added.

“Later, they were rushed to the hospital by their neighbours,” he said.

Meanwhile, Rajib’s cousin Topu Bhattacharjee said that the couple had a love marriage six years ago. 

Kalabagan Police Officer-in-Charge (OC) Poritosh Chandra said: “According to witnesses, the fire began from Rajib’s cigarette as he was pouring hand sanitizer from a gallon into a small container. We are still investigating the incident to understand what actually caused the fire.”