Anonymous death threats with shrouds sent to 13 in Bangladesh

Authorities in Madhabpur upazila, Habiganj, Bangladesh, are investigating a series of anonymous death threats sent to thirteen people, including Khorshed Alam, a local union parishad chairman and a leader of the opposition BNP party. The threats arrived yesterday in parcels containing white cloth pieces, resembling burial shrouds, accompanied by a letter.

The menacing letter warned the recipients that they had only "a few more days" to live and urged them to "understand the consequences of playing with fire." Besides Chairman Khorshed Alam, the letter named Anwar Hossain, Mahmud Hossain, Misir Ali, Mir Khurshed, Abdul Gafur, Mizan Conductor, Bazlu, Syed Shibbir, Anas, Talha, Tanzil, and Noman. Several Awami League leaders were also mentioned, with the letter suggesting one of them would be appointed chairman.

Khorshed Alam filed a general diary at the Madhabpur Police Station and alerted the Habiganj superintendent of police. Officer-in-Charge Sohel Rana stated that police are examining the incident from multiple angles. "At the preliminary stage, we suspect the letters may be linked to an ongoing dispute between neighbours. We are also examining whether a recent incident involving fish being poisoned in a pond is connected," Rana said.

According to police, all recipients received identical letters and cloth pieces in similar envelopes. The investigation is ongoing to determine the source and motive behind the threats.

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At the preliminary stage, we suspect the letters may be linked to an ongoing dispute between neighbours. We are also examining whether a recent incident involving fish being poisoned in a pond is connected.