Gaibandha: A seven-month-pregnant woman was killed in Gobindaganj upazila of Gaibandha allegedly by her husband and in-laws over dowry and family disputes. The deceased was Shahajadi Begum, 20, daughter of Shahin Mia of the Rampura (Jadur Bazar) area under Harirampur Union.
According to United News of Bangladesh, a complaint was filed with Gobindaganj Police Station stating that Shahajadi married Meheraj Mia of the Damodarpur area under Talukkanupur Union about two years ago. Her father alleged that Shahajadi had been subjected to physical and mental abuse by her husband and in-laws over dowry demands since shortly after the marriage.
The complaint mentioned that Shahajadi called her father around 2:45 pm on September 19, expressing her desire to go to her parents' home but was prevented from leaving by her in-laws. Later, around 4:45 pm, her husband called Shahin Mia and informed him that Shahajadi had fallen ill and was being taken to Gobindaganj Hospital. Upon arriving at the hospital, Shahin Mia and his family found Shahajadi lying on the floor of the emergency department, wrapped in a sheet. An on-duty doctor declared her dead.
The family later alleged that her body was taken to her in-laws' house without their knowledge. Shahin Mia accused the family of killing his daughter by smothering her with a pillow. However, police stated that the exact cause of death would be determined after an autopsy.
Gobindaganj Police Station officer-in-charge Muhammad Mozammel Haque confirmed that the body had been sent for autopsy. He stated that a case was filed and necessary legal action would be taken following the investigation and receipt of the autopsy report.