Mystery Surrounds Death of Female Political Leader in Feni

Feni police recovered the body of Roksana Akter Lipi, 31, a prominent district female party leader, from a rented apartment in the city late on Wednesday, 11 February. The discovery was made at a room in Khalek Mansion on Moksedur Rahman Road. Lipi, originally from Kachim Bazar in Sonagazi Upazila, was the daughter of Abul Bashar Badsha Mia and the wife of expatriate Dulal Hossain. She served as the female unit convener of Ward 11 in Feni Municipality and was a member of the municipal BNP.

According to local and political sources, Lipi had been actively campaigning for the “Dhaner Sheesh” candidate in the upcoming 13th national parliamentary elections. Due to her political commitments, she had left her 13-year-old daughter at her mother’s residence. On Wednesday evening, when family members called Lipi’s mobile phone with no response, they went to her apartment and found the door locked from the inside. Peering through a neighbouring window, they saw Lipi hanging by a scarf from the ceiling fan in the bedroom.

Police and fire service personnel broke the door to recover her body, which was sent to Feni General Hospital morgue for autopsy.

Speaking to reporters, Lipi’s younger sister, Pinky, said, “I moved to my own home five days ago. Since her husband is abroad, there were no household disputes. We cannot understand why she would do this.”

Nurer Tanzila, organisational secretary of the district female unit, added, “I have supervised Lipi’s political growth and she was a close associate in all party programmes. I last spoke to her on 9 February during election campaigning. Whether this was suicide or foul play is unclear. Her mobile phone may provide clues. We hope the authorities conduct a thorough investigation.”

Feni Model Police Station Sub-Inspector Golam Mostofa confirmed, “The main door was locked from the inside. Lipi was found hanging from a ceiling fan, with her right-hand fingers caught near her neck, suggesting she may have struggled while attempting to free herself. Her mobile phone has been seized. Preliminary findings indicate suicide, but the investigation will determine the exact circumstances.”

Profile of the Deceased:

Local authorities and police have launched a formal investigation, which is expected to clarify the circumstances surrounding Lipi’s death in the coming days.