FROM PAGE 5

Rakib was 21 and got married seven months ago.

His wife, Sadia Akter, 18, is beyond consolation. “After losing her husband, Sadia is unable to mourn; she only gazes blankly at those who come to console her,” said Rakib’s father Abdul Halim.

He said she is now living with her parents in the adjacent Ishwarganj upazila.

“Recounting the events of that day, Halim said he, along with his wife Nurunnahar Begum and their eldest daughter Mastura Akter, had left their home to attend a relative’s wedding in the Kandulia area of Gouripur on July 19.

Rakib and Sadia remained at home.

Around 10:00am the next day, Rakib left the house to buy medicine and never returned, he said.

Rakib’s grief-stricken mother said, “We relied heavily on Rakib; he was a sincere and honest boy, our hope in every sense. But now, who will take care of us?”

“He used to encourage us to strive for the betterment of our family. He often motivated his sister Mastura to focus on her studies to secure a better future. But now, who will guide us? My only son is gone,” Nurunnahar added.

His father added, “My son’s lifeless body was brought home in the afternoon, and the local union parishad chairman urged us to bury him quickly to prevent further violence. Following his advice, we laid him to rest, but my wife, Nurunnahar, never got to see her beloved son’s face one last time.”

The family demanded proper investigation into the killing to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.