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Mim was a class nine student at the local Rautkona Madrasa, while Maria was in class two.

Sharmin’s husband, Md Forkan Miah, has been absconding since the incident.

Forkan, from of Meri Gopinathpur village in Gopalganj Sadar Upazila, was reportedly a private car driver and had been living in the rented house with his wife and children for nearly a year.

Confirming the killings, Sharifuddin, superintendent of police of Gazipur, said two people were detained for interrogation.

Talking to reporters, Sharmin’s uncle Uzzal said Forkan frequently assaulted his wife, leaving her physically unwell. About six months ago, Sharmin returned to her father’s home in Gopalganj Sadar Upazila, but was later sent back to her husband’s house.

Uzzal also alleged that Forkan often demanded money from the family, leading to ongoing disputes.

Another relative, Shahin, said Forkan called his brother Mishkat on the night of the incident and claimed that he had killed everyone in the house, asking him to inform the family. Mishkat’s wife later informed Sharmin’s family in Gopalganj Sadar Upazila.

Lutfunnahar, wife of the house owner Monir Hossain, an expatriate, said her husband is currently in Singapore, while she lives nearby with her daughter. After receiving the information, she went to the scene and saw Sharmin hanging from a window and dressed in new clothes, Rasul lying on a bed, and the three children on the floor.

Sharmin’s nephew, Sakib Al Hasan Biswas, a student of Bhawal Ideal School and College, said they used to live together in Gazipur and that Rasul had recently come to Kapasia in search of a job after being lured by Forkan with promises of employment.

Contacted by The Daily Star, Asaduzzaman, additional superintendent of police (Kapasia-Kaliganj Circle), said preliminary findings suggest Forkan killed all five with a sharp weapon. “The incident may have occurred due to a family conflict.”

Police are investigating how a single person could carry out the killings and whether sedatives or sleeping pills were used before the murders.

Additional District Magistrate Salma Khatun described the incident as deeply heartbreaking and said those responsible would be brought to justice after a thorough investigation.