A tragic death in Dhamrai has reignited concerns about predatory lending and the crushing burden of informal debt in rural Bangladesh. Suman Rajbanshi, also known as Apu Rajbanshi, a resident of Baisakanda Union headquarters in Dhamrai upazila, died by suicide after what his family describes as prolonged psychological pressure exerted by local moneylenders. The incident occurred on Saturday and has left the community in mourning, with neighbours and relatives calling for justice and stricter enforcement against exploitative lending practices.
Before his death, Apu left behind a three-page letter addressed to his wife, Phulomala Rajbanshi, in which he detailed the circumstances that drove him to despair. In the letter, he expressed deep affection for his wife and attributed his decision to what he described as relentless intimidation and coercion by two moneylenders, Shahin Alam of Amchimur village and Jahangir Alam of Kantahati village, both in Kushura Union. He alleged that they had seized his homestead and land through coercive means and forced the sale of his only means of livelihood, a van rickshaw, to recover part of the debt. Despite these measures, he wrote that the lenders continued to demand a large outstanding sum, subjecting him to daily pressure and threats.
According to family members and local residents, Apu had borrowed an initial sum of Tk 10,000 under terms that required him to pay Tk 1,000 in interest every week. When he failed to keep up with the weekly payments, the debt allegedly snowballed through compounding and penalties, quickly exceeding his ability to repay. Community leaders say such arrangements are common in informal credit markets, where borrowers lacking access to formal banking are forced into agreements with exorbitant effective interest rates. These practices often trap low-income earners in cycles of debt, asset loss and social humiliation.
Key details of the alleged loan arrangement
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Initial loan amount | Tk 10,000 |
| Weekly interest demanded | Tk 1,000 |
| Effective interest pattern | High, compounding in practice |
| Assets reportedly seized | Homestead land, van rickshaw |
| Outcome | Escalating debt and severe stress |
Police have recovered Apu’s body and registered an unnatural death case. Sub-Inspector Liza Akhter of Dhamrai Police Station confirmed that a post-mortem examination has been ordered and that further legal steps will be taken after the report is received. Investigators are reviewing the contents of the letter and gathering statements from family members and local witnesses to determine whether criminal intimidation, extortion or other offences may have occurred.
The case has prompted renewed calls from civil society groups for tighter oversight of informal lending, legal action against usurious practices, and the expansion of accessible microcredit and social safety nets for vulnerable households. Local representatives have also urged authorities to provide legal aid and psychosocial support to the bereaved family. As the investigation proceeds, the community hopes the tragedy will lead to accountability and meaningful measures to prevent similar losses of life in the future.