Mother accused of hacking child to death

A woman in Sakhipur, Tangail, has been accused of hacking her three-and-a-half-year-old son, Ashraful, to death out of anger over being called "aunty" by the child. In the same incident, Sidratul, the eight-year-old daughter from her previous marriage, was also critically injured. However, it has not yet been confirmed whether the anger over being called "aunty" was the actual motive behind the killing.

The incident took place in the Khalia Baid area of the upazila early on Thursday, September 17. Police took Aklima Begum into custody after the incident. The critically injured Sidratul was sent to Bhaluka Upazila Health Complex for treatment.

According to family and local sources, Shahin Mia first married about 30 years ago. As there were no children from that marriage, he later married Aklima Begum. Ashraful was born from the second marriage. However, as Aklima worked at a garment factory in Dhaka and was mostly away from home, Ashraful was raised by Shahin Mia's first wife, whom the child called "Boro Ma".

Locals said Ashraful used to address his biological mother as "aunty". Some locals believe Aklima may have harboured resentment or hurt over this. They suspect the attack on the child may have stemmed from that anger. However, no confirmed information was found from conversations with family members that this was the reason behind the killing.

Shahin Mia said he became a father to a son after about 30 years. He cannot accept losing that child in this manner. Besides his son Ashraful, Aklima's daughter from her previous marriage, Sidratul, was also attacked. He demanded a proper investigation and justice.

Sakhipur Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Murad Hossain said the scene is in the area between Sakhipur and Bhaluka police stations. After the incident, Ashraful was taken to Bhaluka Upazila Health Complex, where he died. His body is currently at the health complex. The injured Sidratul is undergoing treatment.

The OC further said Aklima Begum has been taken into the custody of Sakhipur Police Station after the incident. An investigation is underway to determine the actual cause of the incident, and legal proceedings are also ongoing.