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Asadul then allegedly stabbed him in the chest with a knife.

Emon was rushed to Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead around 1:30pm.

After the stabbing, the suspect entered a nearby house and held a child hostage at knifepoint in an apparent bid to escape, police said.

Police identified Asadul as a resident of the Mogoltula area in Kazirbazar of Sylhet city and described him as a listed drug trader and mugger with multiple cases filed against him in the past.

Citing police, the Bangla daily reported that Asadul and his associates were also known locally as muggers and had been taking and selling drugs near Kean Bridge when police chased them.

The child’s mother was talking to a neighbour when Asadul entered the house and held the knife to the toddler’s throat, according to the report.

A team of eight police members later reached the scene, but Asadul ignored repeated requests to surrender, Kotwali Model Police Station officials said. He allegedly continued threatening to slit the child’s throat.

At one stage, a police member quietly struck the hand holding the knife with a stick. Asadul then released the child, allowing police to quickly rescue the toddler and arrest him.

Police said several cops were injured during a scuffle while detaining the suspect. Asadul was also injured. All received first aid.

Police said Asadul would be produced before a court today.

Emon’s body has been kept at the mortuary of Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital. After an autopsy, the body will be handed over to his family.

Manzurul said a case would be filed over the killing.