SYLHET, Bangladesh, 12 August — An Awami League leader, his wife and their domestic worker were found dead with their throats slit at a residence in Sylhet city on Wednesday, in a case that has raised fresh concerns over the safety of people associated with the party amid an ongoing climate of persecution against Awami League figures in Bangladesh.
The victims were identified as Abdus Sattar, 90, a former director of the Sylhet Chamber of Commerce and Industry and an adviser to the Awami League’s Sylhet Metropolitan unit’s Ward 19, his wife Suraiya Begum, and their domestic worker Malu Begum, 76.
Police recovered the bodies from a house in the Raynagar Mitali Residential Area around Wednesday morning.
Sylhet Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner (North) Mohammad Saiful Islam said police, the Criminal Investigation Department’s crime scene unit and the Detective Branch were investigating the killings. Senior police officials also visited the scene as forensic evidence was collected.
Police said the house’s CCTV cameras were not functioning because of a power outage at the time of the incident. Investigators believe someone may have entered the house before the electricity went out, but said no conclusion could be reached until CCTV footage from surrounding areas and mobile-phone data are analyzed.
Police Commissioner Sarwar Murshed Shamim said the victims appeared to have been attacked with a sharp weapon, although no murder weapon was recovered from the scene.
The house’s wardrobes and cupboards were found open. Investigators are examining whether gold jewelry or other valuables were stolen. Residents of the fourth floor reportedly heard shouting and commotion in the morning.
Police are considering several possible motives, including robbery, family disputes and previous enmity. A document recovered from the scene is also being examined as part of the investigation.
Sattar’s nephew Munna Mia said he had spoken to the couple around 9 a.m. on Wednesday. The couple lived alone with their domestic worker, while their four children—two living in London and two in the United States—were abroad.
The killings come against the backdrop of heightened political tensions in Bangladesh and allegations of persecution, intimidation and violence targeting members and supporters of the Awami League following the political upheaval that removed the party from power.
However, police have not established any political motive for the Sylhet killings. Investigators said all possible motives are being considered and that the circumstances surrounding the deaths will become clearer after forensic, CCTV and mobile-phone evidence is analyzed.
Specialized teams from the police, CID and PBI are working together to identify those responsible. Police have urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
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