The Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) has arrested a man in connection with the deaths of a couple whose decomposed bodies, along with a dead foetus, were recovered from a locked room in Ashulia, saying a dispute led to the killings.

The arrestee, Moniruzzaman alias Hridoy, 44, confessed to the killings in a statement recorded under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, police said.

The information was disclosed in a press release signed by MN Morshed, superintendent of police of PBI Dhaka district, today.

According to the release, locals alerted police on September 5 after foul smell was coming from room 56 on the second floor of a house owned by Hazrat Ali in the Jamgora area of Ashulia.

Police opened the locked room and recovered the bodies of Alamgir Kabir and his wife Nazma Khatun, along with a dead foetus.

Nazma’s elder sister, Shapla Begum, filed a murder case with Ashulia Police Station on September 6, accusing unidentified people.

The PBI said it had been conducting a shadow investigation since receiving information about the incident. As the case falls under its jurisdiction, the agency took over the investigation on its own initiative on September 8.

Acting on intelligence, PBI investigators arrested Moniruzzaman from the Narsinghpur area of Ashulia that day.

During interrogation, he reportedly admitted to the killings. Investigators then recovered Nazma’s mobile phone, SIM card, office identification card and handbag from a rented house based on information he provided, the PBI said.

PBI Sub-Inspector Anisur Rahman is investigating the case.

The PBI said Moniruzzaman had developed a relationship with Nazma, leading to a dispute with her husband after he learned about it.

On the day of the incident, Nazma and Alamgir went to Moniruzzaman’s home and took him to their residence, where an argument broke out over the relationship.

At one point, Alamgir allegedly assaulted Moniruzzaman, while Nazma struck him with a broom. Moniruzzaman then fought back, allegedly kicking Nazma in the abdomen.

The PBI said the kick caused the deaths of Nazma and her unborn child.

Alamgir then allegedly attacked Moniruzzaman with a ladle and a pipe, leading to a further scuffle between the two men.

Moniruzzaman allegedly punched Alamgir several times in the head and body. As Alamgir weakened, he allegedly wrapped a towel around his neck and strangled him to death.

He then allegedly placed the three bodies on a bed before leaving the scene with Nazma’s mobile phone, SIM card, office ID card and handbag.

MN Morshed said PBI was investigating whether anyone else was involved in the incident.