A 22-year-old Bangladeshi student, Shahriar Ahmed, also known as Imon, has been found murdered in Cyprus after going missing shortly after leaving for work in the coastal city of Larnaca. His body was discovered ten days later, buried in a shallow grave in the Cofinu area, in what Cypriot police describe as a violent and premeditated killing followed by a ransom attempt.
Shahriar, originally from Raipura in the Narsingdi district of Bangladesh, had travelled to Cyprus on a student visa only three months earlier. He was living in the Oroklini area of Larnaca while trying to balance studies with part-time employment, reportedly to reduce his financial dependence on his family.
According to family accounts, he last spoke to his mother on 11 June, informing her that he had secured a night-shift job and was leaving that evening to join work. Later that night, he sent his location via WhatsApp after arriving at the designated workplace. Within hours, however, communication took a disturbing turn.
From Shahriar’s own WhatsApp account, his father received messages demanding €35,000 in exchange for his safe release. The messages contained threats of organ trafficking if the payment was not made. Initially, the family believed the account had been hacked and hoped Shahriar would return safely.
When he failed to come home the following day, his roommate reported him missing to the police. Despite ongoing communication from the same number and repeated ransom demands, Shahriar could not be traced.
Cypriot authorities later arrested a 22-year-old Bangladeshi national, identified as Shahin Babu, in connection with the case. Police reportedly recovered Shahriar’s mobile phone and the weapon used in the killing following the suspect’s interrogation, during which he allegedly confessed and led officers to the burial site.
Timeline of Key Events
Date/Time
Event
11 June (evening)
Shahriar leaves for newly arranged night-shift job
11 June (night)
Location shared via WhatsApp upon arrival
11 June (~10 pm)
Ransom demand of €35,000 sent from his phone
12 June
Student reported missing after not returning home
Following days
Continued ransom messages sent from his account
Day 10
Police discover buried body in Cofinu area
After discovery
Suspect arrested; alleged confession made
Family members say they had even begun arranging the ransom payment, which was negotiated down to the equivalent of around 500,000 Bangladeshi taka, in desperation to save him. However, before the transfer could be completed, police confirmed the recovery of his body, ending hopes of his survival.
Shahriar’s mother, Papiya Begum, expressed profound grief, calling for justice and the repatriation of her son’s remains so she could see him one last time. His father, who resides in Greece, and relatives described him as a diligent young man striving to support his education independently abroad.
Local officials in Raipura have stated that they are aware of the incident but have not yet received formal diplomatic communication regarding repatriation procedures. Investigations in Cyprus remain ongoing as authorities examine whether additional individuals were involved in the killing and ransom scheme.
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