10 years of grief for Tonu’s parents, an unanswered question for the nation 09.04.2026

Ten years after Sohagi Jahan Tonu was found murdered inside Cumilla Cantonment on March 20, 2016, her parents continue to seek justice, a decade marked by numerous investigations and unanswered questions. A recent court order on April 6 has revived hopes, directing the cross-matching of DNA from three retired army personnel: Sergeant Zahid, Warrant Officer Hafizur Rahman, and Soldier Jahangir Alam. The case has seen seven investigating officers from four agencies, with 79 hearing dates passed, yet the exact cause of death remains undetermined despite two autopsies and initial DNA findings confirming rape. Tonu, a history student and cultural activist, was tutoring at Sergeant Zahid’s house when she disappeared, her body later discovered near a powerhouse. The investigation has been transferred multiple times, most recently to the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI), with the current officer expressing confidence in ongoing efforts.




















