Mother and Son Disappear After Bank Withdrawal in Shibchar Madaripur

A mother and her teenage son have gone missing in mysterious circumstances shortly after withdrawing a large sum of money from a bank in Shibchar upazila of Madaripur, prompting concern and an active police investigation.

The missing individuals are Moksuda Begum (40), wife of Saudi expatriate Abdul Malek Hawlader, and their 13-year-old son Rehab Hawlader, a seventh-grade student at Nandakumar Multilateral High School in Shibchar. According to family members, the duo left their home in Alepur village on Thursday morning to collect a cheque-related payment from a local branch of a commercial bank. Since then, there has been no contact with them.

Police and family sources say Moksuda Begum had recently received a cheque worth 12 lakh taka issued in her name by a local NGO office in Shibchar. She was scheduled to encash the amount on 25 June and had gone to the Eastern Bank branch in the area accompanied by her son. After entering the bank vicinity, they reportedly vanished without any trace.

Her husband, who has been working in Saudi Arabia for the past six years, said he last spoke to his wife the previous evening. She had confirmed her plan to visit the bank the following day. When he later attempted to reach her, her mobile phone was switched off. He has since contacted relatives and neighbours, but none have been able to provide any information regarding their whereabouts.

Family members describe Moksuda Begum as a cautious and home-oriented person who rarely travelled alone. This has deepened fears among relatives that she and her son may have been victims of foul play, possibly linked to the large cash withdrawal. However, no official confirmation has been made regarding any specific cause.

A close relative, Abdul Barek Hawlader, stated that the family suspects a possible abduction and has already filed a general diary with Shibchar Police Station. He urged authorities to prioritise the investigation and ensure the safe recovery of the missing mother and child.

Shibchar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Kamal Hossain confirmed that a general diary has been lodged and an investigation is underway. An officer has been assigned to the case, and police teams are actively working to trace the missing individuals.

The incident has created widespread anxiety in the local community, with residents calling for swift and decisive action from law enforcement agencies to resolve the case and ensure the safe return of the missing mother and son.