Police suspect that a man killed his wife and two children over loan-related distress before taking his own life in Paba upazila’s Bamunshikor area, Rajshahi.
The tragic incident has left neighbours and relatives struggling to comprehend the scale of despair that led to such a loss.
The victims were identified as Minarul Islam, 30, his wife Sadhina Begum, 28, their son Mahim, 13, and daughter Mithila, 18 months old. Their bodies recovered from their home on Friday morning around 9am.
The mother and daughter were found in one room, while Minarul was discovered hanging from a ceiling fan. Mahim’s lifeless body was recovered from another section of the house.
Relatives describe a family under constant strain. Abdul Malek, the father-in-law of Minarul, said, “Minarul worked tirelessly in the fields, but the burden of loans weighed heavily on him. They were simple people, living day to day.”
Rajshahi Metropolitan Police (RMP) Commissioner Mohammad Abu Sufian confirmed that a note left by Minarul suggested the family’s deaths were linked to financial pressures. “The note also mentioned grievances against his brothers and contained instructions that no one should touch the bodies after the deaths,” the commissioner said.
Neighbours recount a family that had seemed ordinary but quietly struggling. “They kept to themselves. You wouldn’t have guessed the worry they carried,” said a resident who lives nearby.
RMP officials said a forensic team is investigating, and post-mortem results will provide more clarity. “The bodies will be examined thoroughly to determine the exact sequence of events,” said a senior officer.
The village, home to around 1,500 residents, is now in mourning. Local community leaders have called for better support for families facing financial hardship and mental health issues, warning that similar tragedies could happen elsewhere without timely intervention.
“This incident is a wake-up call,” said a local social worker. “Families under extreme financial stress need access to counselling and debt-relief measures. Desperation can lead to unthinkable actions.”