A padlocked, dilapidated double-tin-shed house in Khalasikandi village under Madaripur now stands silent, a stark contrast to the international storm unfolding thousands of miles away in the historic canals of Venice.
The home belongs to the family of Monirul Howlader, who has recently made headlines for allegedly attacking acclaimed Bangladeshi actress Azmeri Haque Badhan in Venice.
Fearing public backlash and potential retaliatory attacks once the news of the assault reached their village, Monirul’s family has fled and gone into hiding.
A trail of debt, banned politics
Monirul, the youngest son of the late Shajahan Howlader, left Bangladesh eighteen months ago. His journey to Italy – routed through Libya with the help of human traffickers – cost a staggering Tk 28 lakh. To send him abroad, the family accumulated massive debts that remain entirely unpaid.
Before his departure, Monirul was heavily involved in local politics. He served as the organisational secretary of the Dhuraail Union unit of the Bangladesh Chhatra League, a student organisation that has since been banned.
During his time in the locality, he was known to be a close associate of former Shipping Minister Shajahan Khan and his son, the former Sadar Upazila Chairman Asibur Rahman Khan.
Disowned by family, demeaned by neighbours
Back in Khalasikandi, the fallout from Monirul’s actions in Italy has been swift. His elderly mother, Aleya Begum, and his elder brother, who lived in the family’s modest home, fled as soon as news of the assault broke. His three sisters are married and live elsewhere.
Monirul’s half-brother, Obaidul Howlader, has publicly distanced himself from Monirul and his immediate family.
“They have not even been able to build a proper house yet; a mountain of debt is hanging over their heads,” Obaidul said.
“Instead of earning money, he got involved in politics. I am his half-brother, and he never gave me a single paisa. By doing this abroad, he has completely ruined our country’s honour. Let him face justice – we are not standing by him. It is better not to have a person like him. I have no ties with them. His mother, sister, and brother have all fled.”
Local residents have also reacted with outrage, demanding exemplary punishment for Monirul for tarnishing Bangladesh’s reputation on foreign soil. They are calling for him to issue a formal apology to ensure such shameful incidents are never repeated.
Police on alert
To prevent any vigilantism or violence, the local administration has stepped in.
“As soon as we learned about the incident, police officers were dispatched to Monirul’s house,” said Abul Kalam Azad, officer-in-charge (OC) of Sadar Police Station.
“We are on high alert to ensure that no one attacks or damages the property. The local Union Parishad (UP) chairman has also been briefed on the situation and is providing full cooperation to keep the peace.”
For now, the village of Khalasikandi remains tense but quiet, as a family remains in hiding and a community grapples with the global disgrace brought home by one of its own.
