Dhaka, Jan 20, (V7N) - Babul Kazi, the 59-year-old grandson of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, has passed away after suffering severe burns in a gas lighter explosion at his home in the capital's Banani. He died at the National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute on Sunday afternoon after being on life support since Saturday night.
 
According to family members, Babul Kazi, a clothing businessman, lived with his wife and children on the fourth floor of a building at 109, Road 23 in Banani. Early on Saturday morning, he entered the bathroom and lit a lighter to smoke, causing a powerful explosion. The blast knocked him to the ground and caused extensive burns. Despite his injuries, he managed to open the bathroom door. Hearing the explosion, family members rushed to the scene and found that most of his body was severely burned.
 
Babul's elder sister, renowned Nazrul Sangeet singer Khilkhi Kazi, who also lives in Banani, quickly arrived at the scene. She called an ambulance, and Babul was rushed to the Burn Institute for treatment.
 
The explosion occurred due to the closed windows and doors, common during the winter season, which trapped gas in the bathroom. According to Dr. Shaown Bin Rahman, the resident surgeon at the National Burn Institute, Babul had 74% burns, including injuries to his head, face, chest, abdomen, back, and arms. His condition worsened, and he was placed on life support at 8:00 PM. A 16-member medical board had been formed for his treatment. He passed away on Sunday at 5:30 PM when his pulse stopped, and his ECG flatlined.
 
Following the family's request, the police handed over the body without an autopsy. The family has stated that Babul Kazi will be buried beside his mother at the Banani Graveyard after the funeral prayer at Banani Society Mosque, scheduled for Monday after Johor prayer.
 
Babul Kazi was the youngest of three children of reciter Kazi Sabysachi and Uma Kazi. All family members are Bangladeshi citizens.
 
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