The brutal murder of Laila Afroza (48) and her daughter Nafisa Nawal Binte Aziz (15) in the capital’s Mohammadpur area has sparked widespread shock and outrage across the country. According to police, domestic worker Ayesha Akhter attempted to flee with gold ornaments and valuables from the house when the homeowner confronted her. A scuffle ensued, during which Ayesha allegedly attacked and killed both mother and daughter with a knife.
Police reported that following the incident, Ayesha fled to Koyarchar village in Nalchity upazila of Jhalakathi district with her husband, Jamal Sikdar. This morning, a team from Mohammadpur Police Station conducted a raid and arrested both Ayesha and her husband.
In response to this heinous incident, the Domestic Worker Employer Association Bangladesh (DWEAB) convened an emergency meeting and expressed strong condemnation and protest. Speakers at the meeting stated that violence involving domestic workers and employers has been increasing, posing serious concerns regarding social security and mutual trust.
DWEAB President Dr. Afroja Parvin said:
“Such killings are rising day by day. Without strict and swift enforcement of punishment, these incidents will only continue to increase. Effective implementation of the law is essential to restore a sense of safety in every household.”
General Secretary Nasima Haque added:
“Establishing the rule of law in Bangladesh has become critically urgent. The perpetrators of this murder must be brought to justice swiftly, and the highest punishment must be ensured to prevent such gruesome crimes in the future.”
Other speakers—including Marzina Baby, Mita Rahman, Selina Khatun, and several others—also addressed the meeting. They emphasized the need for structured policies, identity registration, employment contracts, and regular monitoring to ensure the safety of both domestic workers and employers. DWEAB asserts that regardless of whether the offender is a domestic worker or an employer, justice must be ensured under the law to establish a safe working environment.
