The death of 26-year-old Sharmine Akter Sheli in the Jurain area of Dhaka has sparked widespread concern and a complex police investigation, after her decomposed body was recovered alongside emerging allegations of digital deception aimed at concealing the crime.
Police believe the murder is linked to her so-called husband, Abdullah Al Mamun, a former army officer who was dismissed from service. He has since been arrested and remanded in custody for two days by a Dhaka court for further interrogation.
Sheli’s body was discovered on Sunday afternoon inside a fourth-floor flat at House No. 984/1 near Kadamtoli’s Jurain Commissioner Mor. Officers reported that the body was in a decomposed state, indicating she had been dead for several days before discovery. A case was subsequently filed by her mother, Sahana Begum, naming Mamun as the prime accused.
According to investigators, Sheli and Mamun had been living together for approximately eight to nine months, having rented the apartment posing as husband and wife. The landlord confirmed that the couple presented themselves as married at the time of tenancy.
Suspicious digital activity
One of the most striking elements of the case is the alleged manipulation of Sheli’s WhatsApp account after her death. Police say that conversations were conducted from her phone even after she was believed to have been killed, including messages exchanged with the landlord and others. Investigators suspect Mamun used the device to stage the impression that Sheli was still alive.
The landlord reportedly received a message from Sheli’s WhatsApp number after complaining about a foul odour coming from the flat. The message claimed she was outside and would investigate upon return. This raised immediate suspicion among investigators.
Forensic analysis of CCTV footage and digital tracking suggests Mamun entered the flat on 21 April at night and left the following morning around 8:30 am, locking the door from outside. He was also seen visiting the premises on another occasion. Police believe bleaching powder was used inside the flat in an attempt to conceal the crime, as traces of it were found at the scene.
Key timeline of events
| Date |
Event |
| 21 April |
Mamun enters the flat at night |
| 22 April |
Police believe murder likely occurs |
| 22–26 April |
Phone activity continues from Sheli’s device |
| 23 April |
Neighbours report foul smell |
| 24 April |
Suspicious WhatsApp replies sent to landlord |
| 27 April |
Body recovered from Jurain flat |
| 28 April |
Mamun arrested |
| Following day |
Court grants two-day remand |
Investigation findings
Detectives suggest the victim’s mobile phone last transmitted a location signal from Pallabi’s Swapnadhara residential area, where Mamun is also believed to reside. This geographical overlap has strengthened suspicions of his involvement.
A senior police official, speaking anonymously, described Mamun as technically skilled and capable of manipulating digital evidence. Investigators allege that he staged the WhatsApp exchanges in an attempt to divert attention and delay discovery of the body.
Further background checks reveal that Mamun had previously been married and has two children from his first marriage. He later formed a relationship with Sheli via social media in 2023. Although they lived together for months, he allegedly avoided formal marriage due to social and personal complications.
Police also claim that Mamun entered another marriage and recently became a father again, yet continued his relationship with Sheli concurrently.
Domestic tensions and allegations
In her complaint, Sheli’s mother stated that her daughter had previously informed her of physical abuse and threats from Mamun after pressuring him for marriage. She also alleged that communication with her daughter ceased a few days before the body was discovered.
Authorities are continuing to examine whether other individuals were involved and are analysing further digital evidence to reconstruct the final hours before Sheli’s death. The investigation remains ongoing.
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