For nearly fifteen years after her divorce, Soheli Islam dedicated her life to raising her only daughter and overcoming the challenges of single parenthood. Through hardship, responsibility, and unwavering determination, she built a life centered on her child’s future. But that journey came to a tragic end following a violent snatching incident on a Dhaka street, leaving behind a grieving daughter and a story that has touched many hearts.
Soheli Islam, 42, worked as a Medical Service Officer for a pharmaceutical company. Originally from Sahebpara in Parbatipur Upazila of Dinajpur district, she lived in a rented apartment in the Dhanmondi-Green Road area of Dhaka due to her job. Despite numerous personal setbacks, she never gave up. Raising her daughter, Sumaiya Alam, on her own had become the mission of her life.
A few days before the incident, Soheli had traveled to Parbatipur with her daughter to attend a family event. After the program, they boarded a bus for Dhaka at around 9:00 p.m. on June 6. Following an overnight journey, they arrived at Gabtoli Bus Terminal at approximately 5:00 a.m. on June 7. As dawn had not fully broken, they waited at the bus counter for some time before continuing their journey home.
At around 6:30 a.m., after daylight began to appear, Soheli and her daughter hired a rickshaw and headed toward their residence. What should have been the final stretch of a routine journey soon turned into a nightmare.
As the rickshaw passed in front of Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital, several snatchers on a motorcycle allegedly attempted to seize Soheli’s vanity bag. The bag was wrapped around her hand, and she tried to hold on to it. During the struggle, she lost her balance and fell from the moving rickshaw onto the road.
The fall caused severe injuries to the back of her head. Witnesses said she suffered heavy bleeding. The horrifying incident unfolded before the eyes of her only daughter, who watched helplessly as her mother lay critically injured on the street.
According to family members, immediate assistance was not readily available. Eventually, with the help of the rickshaw puller and a passerby, Soheli was taken to Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital. She was later transferred to the National Institute of Neurosciences and Hospital and subsequently moved to a private hospital for advanced treatment.
However, the injuries were severe. Doctors fought to save her life, but her condition continued to deteriorate due to serious head trauma and excessive blood loss. Family members said she gradually lost the ability to speak and could only groan in pain.
After battling for four days, Soheli passed away on Thursday morning while undergoing treatment.
Her death has left an immeasurable void in the lives of those who knew her. Beyond being a victim of crime, Soheli represented the resilience of countless single mothers who dedicate their lives to their children despite overwhelming challenges.
Nearly fifteen years ago, her marriage ended in divorce. Since then, she had shouldered the responsibility of raising her daughter alone. She balanced her professional career with family responsibilities, ensuring that her daughter received an education and opportunities for a better future. Friends and relatives describe her as a determined and hardworking woman who never stopped fighting for her family.