The victim, Lamia Brishti, was allegedly killed by having her throat slit at around 8pm on Monday in Koneshwar village, under Koneshwar Union of the upazila. According to the allegations, the incident took place shortly after a local mediation meeting had been held to resolve disputes between the couple.
Police said Lamia and Robiul had married around six years ago after being involved in a romantic relationship. However, their marriage reportedly became troubled over allegations that Robiul was involved in drug consumption and dealing.
The issue frequently triggered arguments between the couple. According to the family, Lamia had repeatedly objected to her husband’s alleged involvement in drugs and urged him to give up both consumption and selling.
About a week before the incident, she reportedly gave Robiul an ultimatum, telling him that she would divorce him if he did not stop his activities. Following the disagreement, Lamia left her husband’s home and returned to her parents’ house.
On Monday, she was reportedly persuaded to return to her marital home on the promise that the family dispute would be resolved through mediation. A local shalish (traditional community arbitration meeting) was subsequently held, during which the matter was reportedly settled.
However, after the meeting ended and the other participants had left, another argument allegedly broke out between the couple.
At one stage, Robiul reportedly took Lamia to a nearby pond beside a neighbouring house. He allegedly attacked her with a sharp weapon, slit her throat and left her in the water before fleeing the scene.
Lamia’s younger brother, Obaidul Madbar, later went looking for her and found her lying in the pond. Local residents rushed to help and recovered her from the water. She was taken towards hospital with the assistance of local people, but died on the way.
The victim’s mother, Shahida Akter, alleged that her daughter had endured repeated abuse throughout her marriage because of her husband’s alleged involvement in drug consumption and trafficking.
She said Robiul frequently assaulted Lamia whenever she protested against his activities. The family had previously lodged a general diary (GD) with the police over the alleged abuse.
Shahida said her daughter had returned to her parents’ home about a week earlier after telling Robiul that she would seek a divorce unless he abandoned drugs. She was subsequently called back to her husband’s house on the pretext of resolving their marital problems through family mediation.
The family had hoped the meeting would help settle the dispute. Instead, they received news of Lamia’s death shortly after returning home from the mediation.
Demanding exemplary punishment for those responsible, Shahida called for justice for her daughter. The allegations have also raised concerns about domestic violence and the risks women may face when disputes within marriage escalate into serious abuse.
Damudya Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mohammad Jahangir Alam said police arrested Robiul shortly after the incident by tracking his mobile phone.
He confirmed that the case was under investigation and said the authorities would take the necessary legal action based on the allegations and findings of the investigation.
Police are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the killing, including the events leading up to the incident and the accused’s alleged involvement. Robiul’s arrest marks an initial step in the investigation, while the victim’s family awaits justice.
