3 children die after father allegedly poisons them in Sunamganj

Three children died after their father allegedly gave them poison and consumed it himself in Tahirpur upazila of Sunamganj early today (19 September).

The father, Sharafat Ali, is undergoing treatment in critical condition at Sunamganj Sadar Hospital.

The deceased were Mawa Akhtar, 10, Shamim Mia, 7, and Tamim Mia, aged one and a half years.

Tahirpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Faruk Ahmed said the incident is initially suspected to have stemmed from a domestic dispute between the couple.

Police have also learnt that Sharafat Ali was involved in drug abuse and online gambling, he added.

Jamal Mia, a neighbour, said Sharafat works as a day labourer. His wife left for the Middle East four days ago to work as a labourer, he added.

“Sharafat had been staying at home with his three children. As there was no one else at home, he could not leave the house,” Jamal said.

According to Jamal, neighbours and relatives heard groaning and took the family to Dr Hafiz Uddin Complex in Badaghat Bazar in critical condition.

The attending doctor declared the three children dead and referred Sharafat to Sunamganj Sadar Hospital.

Harun Mia, another resident of the village, said relatives suspected Sharafat consumed poison along with his children following an argument with his wife over the phone or out of distress over her absence.

Badaghat Police Investigation Centre Inspector Hossain Mohammad Arafat said police went to Dr Hafiz Uddin Complex early in the morning after receiving the information and found the three children lying on the floor.

He said the children’s father had already been taken to Sunamganj Sadar Hospital by relatives.

The police official said the cause of death and the identities of the deceased are not immediately known, adding that the bodies are being taken to Tahirpur Upazila Health Complex.

Legal action will be taken in connection with the incident, he added.