A tragic incident of domestic violence linked to drug addiction has left a widowed mother homeless after her son allegedly set fire to their home in Kotalipara upazila,village:(south hiron), late Tuesday night.
According to local sources, identified as Shahidul Islam (25), had long struggled with drug addiction. On the night of the incident, he reportedly demanded money from his mother, Henyara Begum, to finance his substance use. When she refused, he forcibly evicted her from the house before setting the tin-and-wood structure ablaze and fleeing the scene.
Neighbors said the fire spread rapidly, and despite their immediate attempts to intervene, the house was completely destroyed within minutes.
Speaking to reporters, Henyara Begum described a prolonged period of abuse at the hands of her son. “He has been addicted to drugs for a long time. He used to demand money regularly and would beat me if I refused. I often lived in fear and had to stay away from home,” she said, breaking down in tears.
She further revealed a series of personal tragedies that have compounded her suffering. Her elder son has been missing for the past 10 years after traveling to India for work, while her husband died in a road accident in Barishal six months ago. “Now my only shelter has been reduced to ashes. I don’t know how I will survive,” she added.
Local resident Jamir Ali confirmed the ongoing abuse, stating that Shahidul frequently assaulted his mother when denied money for drugs. “Last night, when she couldn’t give him money, he set the house on fire. By the time we arrived to help, everything was gone,” he said, calling for stronger action against drug abuse to prevent similar tragedies.
Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Kotalipara Police Station, Md. Riyad Mahmud, said no formal complaint had been filed at the time of reporting. “We will take legal action once a complaint is received,” he stated.
The incident highlights the devastating social impact of drug addiction in rural communities, raising concerns about the need for stronger intervention and support systems for vulnerable families.
