According to police, Rafiqul Islam, a muezzin at Chakbazar Jame Mosque in Shibchar Municipality, resides with his wife Rahima Akter, three daughters, and infant daughter Mariya in a rented house owned by Haji Abdur Rashid Molla in the DC Road area. On Tuesday (September 2), Rahima left home with Mariya, stating she was going to the market. About an hour later, she returned alone without the child.
When questioned by household members about Mariya’s whereabouts, Rahima fell ill and gave inconsistent statements. Initially, she claimed someone had rendered her unconscious and stolen the child. Later, she said she was abandoned in the Shibchar upashahar area and barely made it back home. Due to the inconsistencies in her statements, police were informed and began an investigation.
During interrogation, Rahima admitted to throwing Mariya into the Moynakata River near the upashahar area. Police recovered the infant’s body from the river around 8:30 PM on Tuesday. Authorities suspect that Rahima’s actions were driven by her mental instability. The body was sent to Madaripur Sadar Hospital morgue for an autopsy after a preliminary report was prepared.
Rafiqul Islam, the infant’s father, said, “My wife has been mentally unwell for about two months. She left with Mariya and returned alone. When asked, she gave conflicting stories. I just want my daughter back.”
Senior Assistant Superintendent of Police (Shibchar Circle) Md. Salauddin Kader stated, “During interrogation, Rahima confessed to throwing the child into the river. We recovered the body, and it has been sent for autopsy. Legal proceedings are underway.”
The incident has cast a pall of grief over the area. Police are continuing their investigation to determine further legal actions.
