Father calls 999 after killing son in Jhalakathi

Police have arrested a 55-year-old man for allegedly hacking his drug-addicted son to death in Kathalia upazila of Jhalakathi early Sunday (February 15).

The accused, Abdul Barek Khan, allegedly killed his son, Mehedi Hasan Shuvo, 25, around 3:00am. The suspect later called the national emergency service 999 to report the incident and surrender.

Police recovered the body and sent it to hospital for autopsy.

According to police and local sources, Shuvo had long struggled with drug addiction and frequently assaulted his parents for money. He was also reportedly involved in disputes with neighbours, creating tension in the area.

Family members said Shuvo demanded Tk 3,00,000 from his father on Saturday morning and vandalised parts of the house when the money was refused. Later in the evening, he allegedly purchased a machete from a local market and threatened to slaughter his parents if they did not comply. Fearing for their safety, his mother informed her husband, who slept in a separate room that night.

Police said Abdul Barek hacked his son while he was asleep in the early hours of Sunday. He subsequently called 999 to inform authorities of the killing. Officers responded to the scene, recovered the body and took him into custody.

The victim’s mother, Khushi Begum, has filed a murder case against her husband.

Assistant Superintendent of Police (Kathalia-Rajapur Circle) Md Shah Alam, who visited the scene, said preliminary findings suggest the victim had been abusive toward family members due to drug addiction.

"Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and legal action is underway," he added.