Teenager found dead at boyfriend’s flat in Barishal

Police have recovered the body of a 19-year-old girl from her boyfriend’s residence in Barishal city.

The incident took place on at a residence known as Rafi Manzil near Oxford Mission Primary School on Bogura Road on Thursday (April 23).

The victim, a resident of Kalapara upazila in Patuakhali, was studying at a nursing college.

Police said the girl’s boyfriend, Mainul Islam Himu, fled after the incident and remains at large. He is originally from Jhalakathi and had been living with his family in a rented house in the Munshi Garage area of Barishal city.

According to the suspect’s mother, the two had been in a relationship, but tensions had recently emerged over allegations involving another relationship. She said she could not confirm her son’s involvement in the killing.

She further stated that she had left for her daughter’s home earlier in the day due to illness. Upon returning in the afternoon, she found the door locked. After entering the room, she discovered the victim lying lifeless on the bed. The suspect’s mobile phone has been switched off since.

Local sources said Himu was previously employed at a pharmaceutical company but is currently unemployed. He has also faced prior allegations related to the death of his wife.

Officer-in-Charge Al Mamun ul Islam of Barishal Kotwali Model Police Station confirmed that the body has been sent for autopsy. “Initial findings suggest the victim may have been strangled. The exact cause of death will be confirmed after the post-mortem,” he said.

Police have launched a manhunt to arrest the suspect, with officials stating that further details will emerge once he is in custody.