The body of a Bangladeshi student who went missing in Cyprus after an alleged ransom demand has been recovered from a shallow grave, in a case that has shocked expatriate communities and raised concerns over the safety of foreign students abroad.
Cyprus police recovered the body of 22-year-old Shahriar Ahmed Emon on Sunday, nine days after he disappeared while travelling to work. Authorities have arrested one person in connection with the killing and are continuing their investigation.
Emon, a student who had moved to Cyprus only four months ago, was the son of Greece-based expatriate Nasir Uddin from Raipura in Narsingdi.
According to family members, Emon was living in the Oroklini area and working part-time at a factory in Kofinou alongside his studies. He left home for work on June 12 but never arrived.
The case took a dramatic turn when Emon’s family received a message from an unknown individual using his mobile phone, demanding €35,000 in ransom. A screenshot of the alleged ransom message was later circulated by Cypriot media.
Family members said they were unable to meet the demand and eventually agreed to pay Tk5 lakh in an effort to secure his release. However, communication from the suspected abductors suddenly stopped.
Days later, police discovered Emon’s body buried in a grave, ending hopes that he might still be alive.
Relatives alleged that he had been abducted and murdered by a criminal group.
“We could not arrange the amount they initially demanded. Later we agreed to pay Tk5 lakh, but after the incident became public, they disappeared after killing him,” said Emon’s uncle, Al Farooq.
The family has demanded exemplary punishment for those responsible and called on the government to assist in bringing Emon’s body back to Bangladesh.
Raipura Upazila Nirbahi Officer Masud Rana confirmed the development and said the local administration would provide necessary support if the family sought assistance with repatriation procedures.
The killing has sent shockwaves through Emon’s home village and among Bangladeshi expatriates, many of whom viewed Cyprus as a relatively safe destination for study and employment.
Police in Cyprus have yet to disclose details about the circumstances of the killing or the identity of the suspect arrested in connection with the case.
Investigators are continuing efforts to determine whether others were involved in the alleged abduction, ransom demand and murder.