Afra Ibnat Khan Iqra, the wife of actor Zaher Alvi, reportedly took her own life following a prolonged marital dispute, according to her family. They allege that the situation escalated after discovering Alvi’s relationships with multiple women, including actress Iffat Ara Tithi. Relatives claim Iqra felt unable to endure the long-term mental anguish and saw suicide as her only escape.
A human chain has been organised to demand justice against Alvi and others allegedly involved in the circumstances leading to her death. Model and live presenter Barisha Haque, one of the organisers, said the event will take place in front of the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC) gate at 12 noon on Wednesday, 4 March.
A case has been filed against Zaher Alvi and Iqra’s mother, Nasrin Sultana Shiuli, in connection with her death. Iqra’s father, Kabir Hayat Khan, lodged the complaint at Dhaka’s Pallabi Police Station on Sunday. Her maternal uncle, Sheikh Tanvir Ahmed, confirmed the filing. The case includes allegations of mental abuse, humiliation and extramarital affairs.
Iqra and Alvi married in 2013 and have a five-year-old son. Her family claims she faced persistent mental pressure from her in-laws. The marital tension worsened when Iqra discovered her husband’s extramarital affair around two years ago.
The complaint also states that Iqra was subjected to ongoing humiliation, including provocative social media posts. The day before her death, on February 27, the family says she was deeply distressed after Alvi shared a photograph online with another woman.
Iqra’s body was discovered in her Mirpur DOHS home on the afternoon of 28 February, hanging from a veil attached to a ceiling fan. She was taken to Kurmitola General Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
