4 of a family found dead in Rajshahi, police recover suicide note

Police have recovered the bodies of four members of the same family in Bamunshikar area of Paba Upazila in Rajshahi. They also recovered a suicide note from the scene.

The bodies were found at around 9am this morning (15 August) from a house in the area.

Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Kalam Parvez of Motihar Police Station confirmed the incident.

The deceased were identified as Minarul Islam, 30, his wife Monira Begum, 28, their son Mahim, 13 and daughter Mithila, 18 months-old.

According to police, Minarul strangled his wife with a scarf and his daughter with a towel before killing his son and taking his own life. 

Abdul Malek, a relative, said Minarul was a farmer and was known to have debts. 

According to Malek, the mother and daughter were found dead in the north room, while the father and son were found hanging from a ceiling fan in the south room.

"I killed everyone with my own hands because if I die alone, who will care for my wife and children? They will get nothing but pain and suffering. I could not bear the debt and lack of food. It seemed better to die than live," reads a note reportedly recovered from the scene by police.

Rajshahi Metropolitan Police Commissioner Abu Sufian said, The suicide note will be investigated. "According to the note, Minarul first killed his wife, then his son and then his daughter before taking his own life. We have initially confirmed through his family members and relatives that it was written by Minarul. However, the note will still be examined. Police and CID have reached the scene to collect evidence and arrangements are being made to send the bodies to the hospital for autopsy," he said.

Parila Union Chairman Syed Ali Morshed said, "Minarul took up any work he could get. Sometimes he did farm work, sometimes worked at a brick kiln. But it was never enough due to his debts. His father sold land to repay part of the debt, yet he still owed money." 

"Two days ago he came to me and borrowed Tk2,000 because there was no food at home. He lived in poverty and had loans to repay weekly. He was frustrated with all this," he added.

According to locals. Minarul was previously addicted to gambling and drugs, which led him into heavy debt. He had sold some of his father's land to repay part of the debt but was still struggling financially, often unable to afford even two meals a day.

Rajshahi Metropolitan Police spokesperson Gaziur Rahman said the bodies have been taken to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital morgue and police are investigating the case.