A Mother’s Death Sparks Fresh Violence Allegations

A 36-year-old mother of five has reportedly died after being brutally assaulted in an alleged attack linked to a long-running personal dispute in Muradnagar, Cumilla, prompting renewed calls for justice and accountability.

The incident took place at around 10:00 a.m. on Thursday in Maheshpur village under the Bangra Bazar Police Station area of Muradnagar Upazila. The deceased, Rashida Akter, was the wife of Delowar Hossain and the mother of five children, including an infant.

According to members of the victim’s family and the police, Rashida’s husband has been living away from the area for an extended period after being named as an accused in a murder case. Family members alleged that the attack occurred while Rashida was attempting to move seven cattle and calves from her home to another location. At that point, individuals from a rival group allegedly confronted and assaulted her. Her two daughters were also reportedly beaten when they tried to intervene and protect their mother.

After receiving information about the incident, officers from Bangra Bazar Police Station arrived at the scene and rescued Rashida and her injured daughters. They were taken to Muradnagar Upazila Health Complex, where attending doctors determined that Rashida’s injuries were critical and referred her to a hospital in Dhaka for advanced treatment. However, she died on the way to the capital near the Bakhrabad area.

Rashida’s daughter, Samia Akter, alleged that the assault was carried out under the leadership of local figure Rahim Member. She claimed that her mother was forcibly taken and beaten while moving the family’s cattle and that both she and her sister were assaulted when they attempted to rescue her. Samia has demanded exemplary punishment, including the death penalty, for those she believes were responsible.

The victim’s elder sister, Nasima, described the devastating impact of the incident on the family, saying Rashida had been raising five children, including a breastfeeding infant. She said the family had struggled financially for years and had relied on support from relatives. With Rashida’s death, she said, the children have effectively been left without their mother, and she urged the authorities to arrest the accused without delay and ensure the maximum punishment permitted under the law.

Attempts to obtain a response from the accused, Rahim Member, were unsuccessful, as his mobile phone remained switched off despite repeated calls. As a result, his version of events could not be obtained before publication.

Officer-in-Charge Safiul Alam of Bangra Bazar Police Station said preliminary findings suggest that the incident may have stemmed from previous hostility between the parties. He added that no formal written complaint had yet been submitted. Once a complaint is received, police will conduct a thorough investigation and take legal action in accordance with the findings.

The incident has once again highlighted concerns over violent disputes in rural communities, where longstanding personal conflicts can quickly escalate into deadly confrontations. The investigation is expected to determine the precise circumstances surrounding the attack and whether criminal charges will be brought against those accused by the victim’s family.