Elderly Woman Killed During Tarawih Prayers

An elderly woman was allegedly murdered while alone at her home in Bhola district during evening Tarawih prayers, triggering alarm and intense concern among residents of the local community. The incident occurred in North Digholdi Union of Bhola Sadar Upazila and is believed by the victim’s family to be linked to a long-standing land dispute with neighbours.

According to local sources and family members, the incident took place at approximately 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday (11 March) in Ward No. 4 of North Digholdi Union. The deceased, Halima Begum, aged 65, was the wife of Mofizul Sikdar, a resident of the same locality. At the time of the incident, her husband and other family members were attending Tarawih prayers at a nearby mosque during the holy month of Ramadan.

Relatives allege that unidentified assailants entered the house while Halima Begum was alone and killed her. Family members suspect the killing may have been premeditated and connected to a prolonged dispute over land ownership with neighbouring individuals identified as Tofazzal and Latif Member.

Harun Sikdar, the victim’s son, claimed that tensions had existed for years. He stated that the accused had previously issued threats against his mother. “Tofazzal and his sons had threatened to kill my mother on several occasions. When we left for Tarawih prayers at the mosque, they apparently took advantage of the opportunity, entered our house and murdered her,” Harun alleged. He further claimed that important land documents, cash and gold jewellery were missing from the house following the incident, suggesting that robbery may also have been involved.

The victim’s husband, Mofizul Sikdar, described the moment he returned home from the mosque. He reported finding the door open and the interior of the house in disarray. Upon entering the bedroom, he discovered his wife lying motionless on the bed. Alarmed, he called out to neighbours, who soon gathered at the house and informed the authorities.

Following the incident, residents reportedly visited the homes of the accused individuals, but they were not present. According to locals, the houses of Tofazzal and another suspect, Liton, were found locked, raising suspicions that they may have fled the area shortly after the crime.

Police from Bhola Sadar Police Station arrived at the scene after receiving the report. Officer-in-Charge Monirul Islam confirmed that the body had been recovered and sent to the hospital morgue for post-mortem examination. He stated that the exact cause of death would be determined following the forensic report.

The officer also noted that police have begun an investigation into the allegations and are working to identify those responsible. Law enforcement officials indicated that legal action will follow once the preliminary investigation and autopsy results are completed.

The tragic incident has created fear and tension throughout the neighbourhood. Residents have called for a thorough investigation and the swift arrest of those responsible, stressing the importance of restoring security and public confidence in the community.

Incident Overview

Authorities have assured residents that the case is being treated with urgency and that efforts are underway to bring the perpetrators to justice.