An unpaid debt of 10 lakh taka escalated into lethal violence in Narayanganj’s Bandar upazila late on Monday night, leaving a 72-year-old woman dead and two others critically injured.
The victim, identified as Maksuda Begum, widow of the late Nazir Uddin, was fatally attacked in the Mahmudnagar area following a confrontation over overdue business payments. Her son, Russel, and a neighbour, Shafiqul, suffered severe injuries while attempting to defend her and are currently receiving emergency treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
According to the victim’s eldest son, Joj Miah, the dispute stems from a scrap-metal transaction with a local merchant, Saddam, son of Torkh Ali. Saddam had reportedly received two vehicle loads of scrap materials valued at 10 lakh taka and had agreed to settle the outstanding balance on Monday, 12 October. However, when the family sought payment, Saddam began making excuses, triggering a heated verbal altercation.
The dispute quickly turned violent as Saddam, accompanied by a group of associates armed with sharp local weapons, launched a brutal assault. Besides Saddam, the victim’s family identified Samaun Habib, Olid, and Khokon—all sons of Habiullah Miah—alongside five to six unidentified accomplices as the primary perpetrators. Maksuda Begum was hacked to death at the scene, whilst Russel and Shafiqul were repeatedly struck as they intervened to shield her.
Police officers dispatched to the crime scene recovered the deceased’s body and transported it to Narayanganj General Hospital for an autopsy.
Bandar Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Jamal Uddin confirmed that police officers have thoroughly inspected the site of the attack. Investigations remain ongoing, with law enforcement currently preparing a formal case and launching raids to apprehend the suspects who fled the area shortly after the incident. Local residents have expressed outrage over the brutal violence, calling for swift police action against the culprits involved.
