Woman becomes third member of British family to die after suspected poisoning

A woman has become the third member of a British family to die in a suspected poisoning during a holiday.

Samira Islam, from Cardiff, died yesterday (5 August) after having been found unconscious by police locked in a room last month.

The 20-year-old's dad, Rafiqul Islam, 51, and his 16-year-old son, Mahiqul, also died in the flat the family were staying in in Sylhet, Bangladesh.

According to reports, her mum Husnara, 45, and the older son, Sadiqul, 24, have been released from hospital after undergoing treatment.

The family were in the middle of a two-month trip to Bangladesh when they suddenly fell ill.

They were found unconscious in their room on 26 July after family members became concerned when they were unable to get inside.

Family friend

Police have launched an investigation into the deaths, and have taken samples that will be analysed to try and determine the cause.

Supt Farid Uddin said: "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."

Investigating officer Masudul Amin added: "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."

Following the deaths, Rafiqul Islam’s mother and two siblings travelled to Bangladesh.

Samira's funeral took place there this afternoon (6 August).

On 28 July, hundreds of people came out into the streets of Sylhet to pay their respects at the funeral of Rafiqul and Mahiqul.

PA

Friends of the family have shared their utter shock and disbelief at the tragic news.

Muhibur Islam, from the Jalalia mosque and Islamic education centre, said: "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."

Labour councillor for Riverside Kanaya Singh said no one had a bad word to say about the family.

"Clearly this is a worrying and tragic event," he said. "Everyone I have spoken to in the community speaks very highly of the family and our thoughts are with them.

"There is also a great deal of concern because many people from Riverside go to Bangladesh on a regular basis.

"I hope that the authorities are able to get to the bottom of this as quickly as possible."