Police recovered the body of Jhalakathi district Jubo Mohila League leader Sharmin Mausumi Keka from her in-laws’ house on Sadar Road in Barishal city on Monday night.

The 35-year-old was the wife of expelled BNP leader Hiron Ahmed Litu and served as the organisational secretary of the Jhalakathi district Jubo Mohila League.

Police said that they recovered the body around 9pm, though multiple sources confirmed that she had died around 5pm.

The incident has sparked widespread discussion in the city, given Keka’s political background and her husband’s opposition links.

Sub-Inspector Abdul Mazed of Kotwali Model Police Station said, “We rushed to the scene after receiving a call through the national emergency service (999). The body was found inside a room. Our senior officers will decide on the next steps, and the body will be sent for autopsy.”

He added that injury marks were found on several parts of the body, but the cause of death could not yet be confirmed.

Keka’s brother, Tutul, alleged that she was murdered by her husband and his family members.

Jhalakathi housewife strangled to death, money stolen from home

“They hid the news of her death. When we reached the house, Litu was sitting in front of the room with a machete, not letting anyone enter,” he claimed.

“We entered the room only after the police arrived. We will file a case over the incident,” he added.

Md Mizanur Rahman, Officer-in-Charge of Kotwali Model Police Station, said, “The body has been sent to Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital for autopsy. Legal action will be taken based on the family’s written complaint.”