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Shahriar’s mother, Papiya Begum, said she last spoke to her son on June 11 afternoon when he told her that he would be joining a new workplace that night. He shared the same information with his father and his roommate, Raihan Mia, in Cyprus.

According to the family, Shahriar reached his workplace around 9:00pm local time and sent his location to Raihan. Afterwards, all communication with him stopped.

Around 10:00pm, a message was sent from Shahriar’s WhatsApp to his father, claiming he had been kidnapped and demanding the ransom.

Initially, the family believed his WhatsApp account had been hacked. However, when he failed to return home the following morning, concern deepened. Raihan later filed a missing person report with local police.

Papiya said ransom demands continued daily for next 10 days.

Shahriar’s younger brother, Nayon Ahmed said, “As the police could not show any significant progress, we agreed to send the ransom money. After negotiations, the amount was settled at Tk 500,000.”

“On Sunday afternoon, we went to a bank to transfer the money. Before sending it, we requested to speak with Shahriar once. They refused. We then returned home. Later that evening..., we learned that Cyprus police had recovered Shahriar’s body. Raihan and other acquaintances in Cyprus confirmed the news,” he added.

Raipura Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Masud Rana said the administration had received information in this regard.

“However, the matter has not yet been officially communicated through the Bangladesh embassy or relevant authorities. If the family seeks government assistance, the administration will take the necessary steps,” he added.