Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Third member of Cardiff family, woman, 20, dies from ‘poisoning’ in Bangladesh

Rafiqul Islam, 51, a taxi driver, and his 16-year-old son, Mahiqul died earlier.

Third member of Cardiff family, woman, 20, dies from ‘poisoning’ in Bangladesh

A woman from a British family has died from suspected poisoning in Sylhet, Bangladesh, media reports said.

Samira Islam, 20, is the third and latest victim from a family of five who were on a two-month holiday visiting relatives in the south Asian country. They were from the Riverside area of Cardiff in Wales.


Islam died last week after she was discovered unconscious in a locked room by police officers on 26 July.

Her father, Rafiqul Islam, 51, a taxi driver, and his 16-year-old son, Mahiqul, also died in the rented flat Sylhet last month.

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

After eating dinner on 25 July, the family were found unconscious the following day by relatives who raised the alarm.

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

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 investigating officer, 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.”

“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," Muhibur Islam, an official at the Jalalia mosque and Islamic education centre who has known the family for many years was quoted as saying by the broadcaster.

Kanaya Singh, a Labour councillor for Riverside, hoped that the authorities will be able to get to the bottom of this as quickly as possible. 

Hundreds of people came out in Sylhet to pay their respects at the funeral of Rafiqul and Mahiqul, reports said.

More For You

modi-bjp-reuters

BJP supporters celebrate in New Delhi. (Photo: Reuters)

Modi's BJP wins Delhi assembly election after 27 years

INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that "development had won" as his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured victory in Delhi’s local elections, ending a 27-year gap since it last controlled the capital’s legislature.

"Development has won, good governance has won," Modi said after Delhi’s former chief minister, a key opposition leader, conceded defeat.

Keep ReadingShow less
Uganda-high-commission-event

The event also focused on Uganda’s role in cultural diplomacy and sustainable development.

Uganda high commission hosts heritage event in London

THE UGANDA high commission in London hosted an event highlighting Uganda’s cultural heritage and investment opportunities at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Building. The event featured a performance by the Watoto Children’s Choir.

Uganda’s high commissioner to the UK, Nimisha J Madhvani, addressed the gathering, welcoming guests and speaking about the country’s cultural diversity.

Keep ReadingShow less
Maha-kumbh-pilgrims-reuters

Devotees arrive at the river bank to take a holy dip at Sangam during the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, India on January 28, 2025. (Photo: Reuters)

India says 420 million pilgrims have visited Maha Kumbh

INDIA’s government announced on Friday that more than 420 million pilgrims have taken part in ritual bathing at the Maha Kumbh, a Hindu religious festival.

Organisers say the estimate is based on artificial intelligence and surveillance cameras used to track attendance.

Keep ReadingShow less
Bird-flu-Getty

There have been 27 confirmed cases of bird flu in England and one in Scotland during the current outbreak. (Representational image: Getty Images)

England bans 'bird gatherings' to contain avian flu spread

THE GOVERNMENT has announced a ban on "bird gatherings" in England as part of efforts to contain the spread of avian influenza.

The ban, which comes into effect from midday on Monday, will apply to fairs, markets, and shows involving various bird species.

Keep ReadingShow less
Matt-Jukes-Getty

Matt Jukes, the UK’s head of counterterrorism, has called for a social media ban for children under 16. (Photo: Getty Images)

Nine-year-old among youngest referred for far-right deradicalisation

A UK charity working to counter far-right radicalisation has seen children as young as nine referred for support.

Exit Hate UK, which helps individuals leave extremist movements, said its youngest-ever referral was nine years old, with the average age of those seeking help being about 15, according to The Times.

Keep ReadingShow less