In a shocking incident in Jhalokathi, a father attempted to end his life and those of his two young sons by administering poison, broadcasting the act live on Facebook. The incident occurred on Tuesday, 31 March, in the Sutalri area of Jhalokathi town, leaving the local community in deep shock and prompting urgent medical intervention.

According to local sources, the father, identified as Rakib, went live on social media while addressing a person named Sagar, making a series of accusatory statements. During the broadcast, he said, “Sagar, you did everything for your own benefit. You became established while abandoning us. I could not bear the grief. In the world of peace, you shall be alone; I have ensured peace. We all are leaving.” His remarks implied long-standing grievances, although the exact context and relationship between Rakib and Sagar remain unclear.

Neighbours and family members rushed to the scene after hearing screams from Rakib’s residence just before the Maghrib prayer. Jewel, Rakib’s uncle, stated, “When we arrived, Rakib and his two sons, Nibi and Abir, were struggling. The room was filled with a strong smell of poison. We immediately took them to Jhalokathi Sadar Hospital, and from there, they were referred to Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital in Barishal for advanced treatment. They are currently under intensive medical care.”

Local sources noted that Rakib’s wife was not present at home during the incident. Furthermore, Jewel confirmed that the person named Sagar, referenced in the Facebook live broadcast, does not appear to be known to Rakib’s family, and Rakib had not been seen interacting with him prior to the event.

The Officer-in-Charge of Nalchiti Police Station, Ariful Alam, stated, “We are aware of the incident. Once a formal written complaint is submitted, we will take the necessary legal action.” Meanwhile, residents have demanded an immediate investigation to determine Sagar’s identity and uncover the underlying reasons behind this shocking act.

The incident has raised serious concerns about mental health awareness, domestic safety, and social media use in crisis situations. Authorities are urging families and communities to remain vigilant for signs of distress or behavioural changes, especially among parents, to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Key Details of the Incident

The case highlights the urgent need for mental health support services, particularly in rural and semi-urban communities, alongside monitoring of social media activity to prevent the escalation of familial conflicts into life-threatening situations.