Banasree Schoolgirl Brutally Murdered in Dhaka

A brutal murder in Dhaka’s Banasree neighbourhood has shocked residents and renewed concerns over the safety of young people in the capital. A 17-year-old schoolgirl, Fatema Akhter Lily, a tenth-grade student, was found murdered with her throat slit inside a rented flat in South Banasree on Saturday.

According to police and family sources, the killing took place between approximately 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm on 10 January at a residential building known as Pritom Villa, located on the main road of South Banasree under Khilgaon police station. Lily was a student at Radiant School and was preparing for her Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examinations, which made the incident particularly distressing for her family and teachers.

Fatema Akhter Lily was the daughter of Sajib Mia, a resident of Bamoin village in Lakhai upazila of Habiganj district. She had been living in Dhaka with her family for educational purposes, renting a flat in the L Block area of South Banasree. Family members described her as quiet, diligent and focused on her studies, with aspirations of pursuing higher education.

The incident came to light later in the afternoon when police were informed of a critically injured girl being taken to Farazi Hospital. Khilgaon Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge, Mohammad Shafikul Islam, confirmed that officers rushed to the scene immediately after receiving the report. Upon reaching the hospital, police found Lily’s body bearing clear signs of a fatal cut to the throat inflicted by a sharp weapon.

“The victim was already dead when we arrived,” the officer said. “We observed deep injuries to her neck. At this stage, the motive behind the killing remains unknown, and we are investigating all possible angles.”

Police have begun a formal investigation, including questioning family members, neighbours and building residents. Officers are also reviewing CCTV footage from nearby streets and buildings to reconstruct the victim’s movements before the incident and to identify any suspicious individuals. The flat where the murder occurred has been sealed for forensic examination, and evidence has been collected to assist the investigation.

The murder has sparked fear and anger among local residents, many of whom have demanded swift justice and improved security measures in residential areas. Child rights activists have also expressed concern, noting a troubling pattern of violent crimes involving minors in urban settings.

A summary of key facts related to the incident is provided below:

As the investigation continues, authorities have assured the public that those responsible will be identified and brought to justice. Meanwhile, the tragic death of a young student has left a grieving family and a shaken community demanding answers.