Father Killed on Courtyard, Society Shaken by Filial Violence
Graphics: Agamir Somoy
Friday is a sacred day for Muslims. In many families, the morning begins with cleanliness, preparation for prayers, and household routines. On one such morning, a father was preparing to leave for Friday prayers. At that moment, his son arrived and demanded a share of the family property. As the conversation escalated, it turned into a horrific outcome. The son brought a knife from the house and attacked his father. Within moments, the father lay lifeless inside his own home, killed by his own child.
As brutal as the incident in Keraniganj was, a similar shock unfolded in Rangunia. Late at night, a quarrel between a husband and wife continued inside the home. Domestic disagreements are not unusual; arguments and tensions exist in many families. But from that dispute, their son entered the room and attacked his father, who later died. Even more distressing, the mother attempted to wipe away the blood in an effort to divert attention from the incident and protect her son. The scene reflects not only a crime but also a collapse of values.
Similar reports are emerging repeatedly from different parts of the country. In some cases, disputes over land, in others family conflicts or minor arguments are leading children to kill their fathers. The person who once provided the first shelter, first teacher, and first protection is now being treated as an opponent. This raises a disturbing question: where have we reached as a society?
The breakdown of family relationships does not happen overnight. It develops over time through accumulated anger, greed, mistrust, mental instability, substance abuse, intolerance, lack of communication within families, and declining moral education. Today’s society reacts quickly, makes rapid decisions, and strikes without hesitation. Meanwhile, spaces for learning patience are steadily shrinking.
Another reality is that property disputes are increasingly overshadowing relationships in many families. Land, money, inheritance, ownership, and division are creating tensions that eventually lead to violence. Yet wealth is meant to make life easier, not destroy relationships.
In Bengali culture, parents are symbols of respect. In Islam as well, the dignity of parents holds a very high position. Kindness toward them is described as part of worship. Despite repeated religious teachings, social messaging, and moral sermons, when respect within households continues to decline, self-reflection becomes essential.
This problem cannot be solved by law alone. Families must restore dialogue. Children need to be taught anger management, empathy, and the understanding that rights come with responsibilities from an early age. Parents, too, must build relationships based on understanding rather than distance.
There is still time to stop. There is still time to restore respect, restraint, and humanity in every household. Otherwise, such headlines will continue to increase in newspapers, and each time we will only say it feels very unfortunate. By then, it may already be too late.
