Farmer couple commits suicide over debt pressure in Natore, child becomes orphan

A farmer couple has committed suicide due to debt pressure in Lalpur, Natore. This tragic incident took place in Kochua village of Arbab union of the upazila on Monday (June 2) at dawn. The deceased are—Roijul Islam (40) and his wife Fatema Khatun (30). Their only child has now become completely orphan. Local Arbab Union Parishad Chairman Mokhlesur Rahman told Samakal that farmer Roijul Islam is a very poor man. He has a child. There was no trouble between the husband and wife.

Prompted by companies, they cultivated tobacco this year. They took a lot of loan and leased other people's land at high rates. Tobacco was damaged by hail. They could not make much profit by selling tobacco. He further said, we heard that he was in debt of more than seven lakh taka. He was unable to repay this money including interest in any way. That is why he and his wife committed suicide at dawn. According to locals and family sources, Roijul Islam started tobacco cultivation this year.

He got into a lot of debt while cultivating tobacco. Like everyday, Roijul Islam and his wife Fatema went to sleep in the room on Sunday night. On Monday dawn, Roijul Islam was seen hanging from the beam of the tobacco room. Later, when Fatema Khatun did not open the door of the room after being called several times, the family suspected something. Peeking through the window, Fatema Khatun was seen lying on the bed. Later, the local residents informed the police. Police went and recovered the bodies.

Inspector Mominuzzaman, in charge of Lalpur police station, quoting the deceased family and local sources told Samakal that upon receiving the news, police recovered the bodies of the husband and wife and sent them to the morgue for autopsy. However, it is primarily suspected that the husband and wife both committed suicide failing to bear the burden of excessive debt. An unnatural death case has been filed at the police station in this regard. He also said that necessary legal steps are being taken. Source: Samakal