Lonely End in a House Once Full of Family

A 54-year-old man was found unconscious inside his flat in a three-storey residential building in Faridpur before later being pronounced dead at hospital, bringing a deeply poignant chapter of isolation to an end. Despite local residents informing his only sister, who lives in Canada, along with other relatives, none travelled to attend his funeral. He was eventually laid to rest through the efforts of neighbours and members of the local community.

The deceased, identified as Koel Chowdhury, had been living alone in a large flat at Chowdhury Villa in the Purba Khabaspur area of Faridpur town. According to local residents, police recovered him in an unconscious state on Sunday afternoon after being alerted by neighbours. He was taken to Faridpur Medical College Hospital, where the attending physician declared him dead.

Residents familiar with the family said the property had been purchased around 2000 by Hasmat Ali Chowdhury and Asia Khanam, both of whom were reportedly government officials. Following the deaths of the couple, their younger son, Koel, gradually became increasingly isolated.

Neighbours said the couple had left behind two sons, Babu Chowdhury and Koel Chowdhury, along with a daughter who later emigrated to Canada. Both brothers had reportedly experienced mental health problems from an early age. After their sister settled abroad, the two men continued living together in the family home, relying largely on each other for companionship and daily life.

People in the neighbourhood recalled the brothers as quiet and harmless individuals. Although they were said to have struggled with mental health issues, they were never known to behave aggressively or create disturbances. They were often seen walking side by side through the town, sometimes holding hands and moving slowly along the roadside. Their close bond had become a familiar sight for many local residents.

That companionship came to an end around eighteen months ago when Babu Chowdhury died. His death left Koel entirely alone in the spacious family flat. Since then, tenants living in the building had regularly provided him with meals, while neighbours checked on his welfare whenever possible.

Ashikur Rahman Khan, a neighbour, said concern grew when one of the tenants attempted to deliver food on Sunday morning but received no response despite repeated calls. The neighbours then contacted the national emergency service by dialling 999.

Police officers arrived at the scene, forced open the door and found Koel unconscious inside the flat. According to Khan, visible tear marks were seen running down his face. He was initially taken to Faridpur General Hospital before being transferred urgently to Faridpur Medical College Hospital, where doctors confirmed that he had died.

Khan also expressed disappointment over the family’s response following the death. He said local residents contacted Koel’s sister in Canada, who reportedly requested that the funeral proceed without waiting for her arrival. Other relatives were also informed, but none attended. As a result, local residents arranged his burial at Alipur Cemetery in Faridpur, beside the graves of his parents. According to neighbours, a few distant relatives arrived only after the burial had already taken place. They also noted that a similar absence of close family had occurred following the death of Koel’s elder brother.

Local residents also referred to a long-circulated claim regarding the brothers’ childhood. According to community members, because both parents worked as government officials, the two children were allegedly given sleeping medication before their parents left for work. Some residents believe this may have contributed to their later mental health problems. However, this account remains an unverified local claim and has not been confirmed by any official investigation or medical evidence.

Officer-in-Charge Md Mahamudul Hasan of Faridpur Kotwali Police Station said police responded immediately after receiving the emergency call through 999 and found Koel alive when they entered the residence. He said local residents subsequently transported him to hospital for treatment. The officer added that the police station was not formally informed after Koel’s death.

The incident has drawn attention to the challenges faced by people living alone with limited family support. Neighbours, rather than relatives, ultimately became the people who ensured Koel Chowdhury received medical assistance in his final hours and a dignified burial after his death, underscoring the crucial role local communities often play when vulnerable individuals are left without close family care.