Third member of poisoned Cardiff family dies in Bangladesh hospital

Mourners gather in Sylhet, Bangladesh, for the funeral of Rafiqul Islam, 51, and 16-year-old Mahiqul. Image by Jubad Ahamed/PA/The Guardian

After the death of a Cardiff man and his son last month after a suspected poisoning, a third member of the family is reported to have died as well.

20-year-old Samira Islam is the latest victim of the unfortunate incident which took place in Bagladesh.

All five members of the family were poisoned and while Rafiqul Islam, 51, a taxi driver, and his 16-year-old son, Mahiqul died at the rented flat in Sylhet, the three other members were taken to a hospital for immediate treatment.

The family, which was based in the Riverside area of Cardiff, is said to be on a two-month long holiday in their country of origin.

According to the BBC, Samira Islam’s mother, Husnara, 45, and the older son, Sadiqul, 24, were recovered and released from the hospital.

The family was found unconscious at the flat after having dinner on 25 July by concerned relatives who alerted the authorities.

According to Superintendent Farid Uddin, “Our primary suspicion is they were poisoned. Our investigators are speaking with the relatives of the victims. So far we don’t think they have any enmity with anyone.”

Reports said that all family members had slept in the same room and the doors were locked. There was no sign of forced entry.

Some reports suggested that the tragedy happened due to the use of a faulty electricity generator in the property as there was no power at night.

Masudul Amin, the officer investigating the case told the BBC, “We are also speaking with the relatives who were in the apartment and other residents of the building. No one has been detained or arrested in this murder.”

Muhibur Islam, an official at the Jalalia mosque and Islamic education centre who has known the family for many years told the BBC, “It’s very terrible. It’s very tragic, hard to take in. The circumstances are not clear. We’re praying that those who have survived will pull through. We’re praying for them all.”

Kanaya Singh, a Labour councillor for Riverside, hoped that the authorities will investigate and be able to catch those responsible for the tragedy. Hundreds of people came out in Sylhet to pay their respects at the funeral of Rafiqul and Mahiqul, reports said.