Three children have died in a suspected poisoning incident in Sunamganj’s Tahirpur upazila, while their father remains critically ill in hospital.
Police and relatives suspect that the father may have poisoned the children before consuming poison himself, although investigators said the circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear.
The incident took place early on Saturday in Rajani Line, a border village under Uttar Baradal Union, said Hossain Mohammad Arafat, chief of the Badaghat Police Investigation Centre.
The deceased were identified as Mawa Akter, 10, Shamim Mia, 7, and Tamim Mia, 1½. Their father, Sharafat Ali, is a day labourer.
Jamal Mia, a Ward No. 2 member of the union and a resident of the village, said Sharafat’s wife left for the Middle East four days ago for work. Sharafat had been staying at home with their three children.
Relatives and neighbours became alarmed late Friday night after hearing sounds coming from the house. They took the family to Dr Hafiz Uddin Complex in Badaghat Bazar.
Doctors there declared the three children dead and referred Sharafat to Sunamganj Sadar Hospital.
Rafiqul Islam, a resident physician at the hospital, said Sharafat was admitted in critical condition with suspected poisoning and was receiving treatment.
Harun Mia, a village resident, said relatives suspected that Sharafat may have consumed poison along with his children following a dispute with his wife over the phone or because he was distressed by her absence. However, police have yet to establish any motive.
Arafat said police went to Dr Hafiz Uddin Complex after receiving information early on Saturday.
“We found the three children unconscious on the floor. A doctor later confirmed that they had died,” he said.
“Their father was taken to Sunamganj Sadar Hospital by relatives.”
The children’s bodies have been sent to Tahirpur Upazila Health Complex.
Police said legal action would be taken after the circumstances of the incident are established.
Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Tahirpur Police Station Faruk Ahmed said the bodies of the three children were at Tahirpur Upazila Health Complex. After the inquest reports are completed, the bodies will be sent to the morgue at Sunamganj Sadar Hospital.
He said legal proceedings regarding the incident were underway.
The exact cause of the incident was not immediately known. Police said the matter was under investigation.
