Kushtia journalist, spouse, kid, in-law father die in Kokata fire
Debashish Dutta, spouse Afsana Shimmin and their kid Sharnashish Dutta. Photo: Collected.
A Kushtia journalist dies in Kolkata fire along with wife, child, and father-in-law.
The deceased include his wife Afsana Shimmin (25), their three-year-old son Sharnashish Dutta, and his father-in-law Md. Akram Ali (64). The family's home is in the Thanapara area of Kushtia city.
Debashish worked as the district correspondent for the daily Ajker Patrika and Channel Nine. He was also the executive editor of the local daily Ajker Alo. Gazil Mahbub Rahman, editor of Ajker Alo, confirmed the information. He said that Debashish and Afsana also have an eight-year-old daughter. However, the family had left her at their Kushtia home before traveling to India.
The fire broke out at the 'Shikha Inn' hotel on Mirza Galib Street, near New Market, one of Kolkata's busiest and most congested areas, on Tuesday midnight. Local media reports indicate that nine people died in the incident, several of whom were Bangladeshi nationals. Today, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that five Bangladeshis lost their lives in the fire, including four members of the same family — the family of journalist Debashish.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that officials from the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata visited the scene and attempted to gather information about the casualties. The Deputy High Commission has contacted the families of the deceased. The ministry also said that six injured Bangladeshis were released after receiving primary treatment. According to Indian media reports, preliminary speculation suggests that the fire may have been caused by an air conditioner explosion. A police officer told the news agency PTI that thick smoke made it difficult for firefighters to climb the stairs and reach the upper floors. While nine deaths have been confirmed so far, there are possibility that the number may increase.
India has long been a major destination for Bangladeshi patients seeking medical treatment in Kolkata and other cities across the country. However, following the July mass uprising, travel to India had decreased somewhat due to visa complications and stricter regulations.
