Husband Released Amid Wife, Child Tragedy

Five days after the tragic deaths of his wife and infant son, Juel Hasan Saddam, a leader of the banned organisation Chhatra League, returned home from prison in Bagerhat yesterday. Upon reaching his residence on Wednesday night, Saddam immediately visited the graves of his family. Accompanied by his father-in-law Ruhul Amin Howlader, brother-in-law Shahnewaz Amin Shuvo, and local residents, he offered prayers at the gravesite, breaking down as he touched the earth covering his loved ones. He personally recited supplications, seeking mercy for their souls.

Saddam expressed his grief, saying, “I am a bereaved husband, I am a bereaved father. I could not hold my child in my arms. O God, forgive my wife and child. If my wife was the victim of murder, I demand justice through a thorough and impartial investigation.”

Later, at his in-laws’ home, he spoke to journalists, alleging that the deaths were premeditated. “When I was sent to the Jessore prison, my wife thought I would never return. I believe my wife and child were killed deliberately. I demand a proper investigation,” he said. He added with visible anguish, “I applied for bail many times, but it was not granted. I could not hold my son. Ultimately, my release came in exchange for the bodies of my wife and child.”

Saddam, son of Ekram Howlader and Delowara Ekram from Sabekdanga in Bagerhat Sadar, serves as the president of the Bagerhat Sadar Upazila Chhatra League. He was released from Jessore Central Jail at 2:00 pm yesterday, after the High Court granted him six months’ bail on Monday.

The tragic events unfolded on 23 January, when the bodies of Saddam’s wife, Kaniz Suborna, also known as Swarnali (22), and their nine-month-old son, Sezad Hasan Nazif, were recovered from their Sabekdanga home. Following an autopsy at Bagerhat District Hospital the next day, the bodies were returned to Suborna’s parental home. Later that afternoon, after ritual washing, the corpses were taken to Jessore Central Jail, where Saddam saw them for the final time. That evening, the local Eidgah grounds hosted the funeral prayer, followed by burial alongside other family members.

The release of Saddam sparked criticism nationwide, as he was not granted parole despite the deaths. Jessore jail authorities reportedly withheld information from the media, leaving journalists waiting outside the facility for hours. Several attempts to contact jail officials, including district officer Abid Ahmed, went unanswered.

Saddam’s brother, Shahidul Islam, stated, “The administration prohibited journalists from speaking with us. My brother visited the graves in the evening, mourning deeply at the loss of his wife and child.”

According to Asif Uddin, Assistant Commissioner of the district administration, Saddam was released in accordance with all legal procedures.

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