A pall of shock and unease has descended upon residents of Bauphal Upazila after the body of a young man was recovered under disturbing circumstances on Monday afternoon. The deceased, identified as 22-year-old Md Shakil Mridha, was found floating in a pond adjacent to the Adabaria Union Parishad building in Adabaria Union.
According to police sources, local residents first noticed the body at approximately 11:00 a.m. on 16 February and immediately alerted authorities. Officers from Bauphal Police Station arrived promptly at the scene and recovered the corpse. Shakil’s hands and feet were reportedly bound, and he was dressed in winter clothing, heightening suspicions of a premeditated killing.
The body was subsequently transferred to Patuakhali Medical College Hospital for post-mortem examination. Investigators are awaiting the autopsy report, which is expected to clarify the precise cause and time of death.
Victim’s Background
Shakil Mridha was the son of Abdus Sobahan Mridha of Adabaria Union. He was employed as a counter assistant for a passenger transport service operating along the ঢাকা–বাউফল–দশমিনা (Dhaka–Bauphal–Dashmina) route, a position that required regular interaction with travellers and transport workers.
Family members stated that Shakil left home on Sunday but failed to return that evening. Concern mounted overnight, and the family began searching for him before the tragic discovery was made the following day.
His elder brother, Advocate Liton Mridha, has alleged that the killing was deliberate and carefully orchestrated. He has urged the local administration and law enforcement agencies to conduct a swift and impartial investigation to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
Police Response and Investigation
Officer-in-Charge Siddikur Rahman of Bauphal Police Station confirmed that a case is being prepared and that the incident is being treated with utmost seriousness. He added that officers are examining potential motives, including prior disputes or acts of retaliation.
Preliminary inquiries involve questioning local residents and reviewing Shakil’s recent movements. Police have also indicated that they are working to identify possible suspects and have assured the bereaved family of full cooperation and protection.
Incident Summary
| বিষয় (Subject) | বিস্তারিত তথ্য (Details) |
|---|---|
| Name of Deceased | Md Shakil Mridha |
| Age | 22 years |
| Father’s Name | Abdus Sobahan Mridha |
| Address | Adabaria Union, Bauphal, Patuakhali |
| Occupation | Transport counter assistant (Dhaka–Bauphal–Dashmina route) |
| Location of Recovery | Pond beside Adabaria Union Parishad building |
| Date & Time | Monday, 16 February, approx. 11:00 a.m. |
| Condition of Body | Hands and feet bound; wearing winter clothing |
| Investigating Authority | Bauphal Police Station |
The incident has generated widespread alarm throughout the upazila. Residents fear that underlying enmity or organised criminal activity may have led to the killing. As investigations continue, the community awaits answers, hoping that clarity and justice will soon follow this deeply unsettling event.