Death of Salman Shah

Death of Salman Shah
Epitaph on Shah's gravestone located in the graveyard at Shah Jalal Dargah, Sylhet
DateSeptember 6, 1996 (1996-09-06)
Location
BurialShah Jalal Dargah, Sylhet
InquiriesPolice Bureau of Investigation
Accused11 individuals including Aziz Mohammad Bhai, Samira Haque and Ashraful Haque

On 6 September 1996, Salman Shah was found hanging from the ceiling of his bedroom at Eskaton, Dhaka.[1][2] Police had filed a case of suicide, but the family objected to it and lodged a murder case.[3] Business tycoon Aziz Mohammad Bhai was alleged to be involved in the murder.[4] Rezvi Ahmed was arrested from the house of Shah's mother, who reportedly named Aziz Mohammad Bhai and Shah's wife Samira Haque for ordering the hit.[5] Rezvi later disavowed his confession.[4] On 24 February 2020, the Police Bureau of Investigation completed its investigation and reported that Salman Shah had killed himself due to a family dispute over his affair with one of the most popular silver screen actresses at the time, actress Shabnur.[6] However, On 20 October 2025, a Dhaka court ordered a murder case over actor Salman Shah’s death after 29 years.[7][8][9] Kanak Chapa has said on a YouTube video that Salman Shah appeared to be mentally disturbed before he passed away.[10]

A Dhaka court ordered the case to be registered and investigated as murder, nullifying the 2021 final report from the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) which had concluded the death was a suicide.[11]

The 6th Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge, Md. Jannatul Ferdous Ibn Haque, passed the order after accepting a revision petition filed by Salman Shah's mother, Neela Chowdhury.[12] The court directed the officer-in-charge (OC) of Ramna Model Police Station to treat the original complaint as a murder case.

Following the court's directive, Salman Shah's maternal uncle, Mohammad Alamgir Kumkum, filed a formal murder case at Ramna police station late on October 20.[13] The new case names 11 individuals as accused, including Salman Shah's wife Samira Haque, businessman Aziz Mohammad Bhai, and actor Ashraful Haque (Don).[14] The case has now been assigned to Ramna Model Police Station for investigation.[15]

Shah is buried in Shah Jalal Dargah Cemetery in Sylhet.[16]

Background

Shah entered the Bangladeshi entertainment industry through television dramas and modelling before achieving film stardom.[17]

He made his silver-screen debut in 1993 with the film Keyamot Theke Keyamot, directed by Sohanur Rahman Sohan, which was a box-office hit and catapulted him to popularity.[17]

Between 1993 and his death in 1996, Shah starred in approximately 27 films, all of them were commercially successful.[18]

His popularity arose from a combination of youthful charm, modern fashion sense, and a new style of romantic-hero portrayal which marked a departure from the prevailing hero archetype in Dhallywood.[19]

His on-screen pairings—especially with actresses like Shabnur—became very popular with audiences, and his off-screen persona (personal life, marriage to Samira Haque in August 1992) further heightened his public profile.[18]

Despite his commercial success, Salman Shah’s career was brief (about three years) and his personal circumstances (marital matters, public scrutiny, absence of children) would later take on relevance in investigations after his death.[20]

Death

On the morning of 6 September 1996, Shah was found dead in his flat at New Eskaton Garden (Dhaka). His body was discovered hanging from a ceiling fan, with rope marks around his neck and signs of asphyxiation.[21]

His parents first took him to Holy Family Hospital, where further signs of distress were observed, before moving him to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.[21]

Initially registered as an "unnatural death" by his father, Kamar Uddin Chowdhury (died 2002), the case was later pressed by the family to be investigated as a possible murder.[22]

His death shocked the nation and the Bangladeshi film industry, triggering widespread media attention and multiple investigations into the circumstances of his passing.[23]

Forensic findings at the death scene

Investigators examining the apartment of Salman Shah at New Eskaton Garden, Dhaka found that his body was hanging from a ceiling fan with visible rope marks around the neck and signs consistent with asphyxiation.[21] The actor's parents observed his face and legs had turned blue, and rope marks were clearly visible when he was taken to Holy Family Hospital, Dhaka before being moved to Dhaka Medical College Hospital where he was declared dead on arrival.[24]

A suicide note was reportedly recovered from the room and later examined by handwriting experts who concluded the writing was that of Shah, though his family disputes the authenticity of the note.[25] Also found at the scene was a small bottle of sedative (JASOCANE‑A 20 mg) and some wet clothes inside a luggage, leading to questions about the sequence of events and whether the scene was altered.[25]

Investigators also noted that no major furniture displacement or visible signs of a struggle were recorded around the hanging location, yet the timing of the body being taken down and the delay in hospital transfer remained unexplained.[25] Furthermore, witness testimony included claims that two women were rubbing oil on his hands and feet when his parents arrived, and that one relative told his mother to “get out of my house”, raising further suspicion about what took place at the scene.[21]

These findings — hanging from fan, rope‑marks, sedative bottle, wet luggage clothes, disputed note and lack of disturbance — have been cited by both sides of the case: those favouring the suicide conclusion point to absence of clear external injury or forced entry, while those advocating the homicide theory emphasise the anomalies, scene‑irregularities and disputed circumstances.[25]

Timeline of investigations

DateAgency / ActionOutcome
6 Sep 1996Initial police reportRegistered as “unnatural death”
Jul 1997Father filed petition to treat as murderReview order granted[26]
24 Jul 1997Confession by Rizvi Ahmed (alias Farhad) under Section 164Alleged planned murder; later retracted[27]
3 Nov 1997CID investigation final reportConcluded suicide[28]
3 Aug 2014Judicial probe reportFound no sufficient evidence of homicide[29]
25 Feb 2020PBI final report (600-page)Concluded suicide citing relationship & personal issues[30]
31 Oct 2021Dhaka courtAccepted PBI report[31]
20 Oct 2025Dhaka court orderDirected filing of murder case and fresh investigation[32]

Rizvi Ahmed confession

In July 1997, Rizvi Ahmed (a.k.a. Farhad) provided a confessional statement under Section 164 alleging that Shah was murdered as part of a contract worth ৳12 lakh. According to his statement, ৳6 lakh was paid in advance and the remaining ৳6 lakh after the killing, reportedly arranged by Shah's mother-in-law, Latifa Haque Lucy.[27]

Rizvi named multiple individuals claimed were involved, including Don and David, and alleged a staged murder scene: incapacitation via chloroform, dragging the actor into a dressing room, tying his legs, hanging the body from a ceiling fan, and applying oils and wet clothes to suggest suicide.[33]

He further claimed that the gatekeeper allowed entry to the conspirators and that pressure was applied on the actor’s family to keep the matter quiet.[34]

Rizvi later retracted his confession, and subsequent investigations by the Criminal Investigation Department and Police Bureau of Investigation did not find sufficient evidence of homicide.[35][32]

Despite the retraction, Rizvi Ahmed's confession remains a significant element in the ongoing debate about the circumstances of Shah's death and is frequently cited by the actor’s family and in media reports alleging murder.[36]

Family claims and allegations

Shah's mother, Neela Chowdhury, has consistently asserted that her son was murdered and did not commit suicide.[37] She and family members have repeatedly named several persons—including the actor’s ex-wife Samira Haque—in allegations of conspiracy.[22]

Forensic and investigative findings

The Police Bureau of Investigation report submitted in February 2020 concluded that Shah committed suicide, citing multiple contributing factors including a romantic relationship with Shabnur, marital distress, prior suicide attempts, and family conflict.[38]

The PBI stated that a suicide note was recovered and verified through handwriting experts.[30]

Earlier investigations by the Criminal Investigation Department and judicial probes found no compelling evidence of homicide.[28]

Media coverage and public reaction

The death of Shah sent shockwaves across Bangladesh and triggered an unprecedented response from fans, the media, and the entertainment industry. Thousands of fans gathered at his funeral and memorial sites, expressing grief and demanding justice.[39]

Media coverage of the case was extensive and often sensationalized, with debates centering on whether his death was a suicide or a murder. Newspapers and television channels ran investigative stories, interviews with family members, and discussions with legal and forensic experts.[40]

Several individuals from the film industry publicly commented on his death:

  • Actress Bobita recalled: “I still carry Salman’s memories with me … He was a much better actor … The untimely demise of an actor like him is really very painful for us.”[41]
  • Actor Shakib Khan posted on social media: “Wherever you are, I wish peace for your soul.”[42]
  • Director Sohanur Rahman Sohan described him as "a revolutionary talent who transformed romantic hero portrayal in Bangladeshi cinema".[43]
  • Actress Shabnur stated: "He was a sensitive and talented actor whose loss left a void in Dhallywood".[44]
  • Actor Riaz mentioned: "I could not believe that someone so young and full of life could be gone so suddenly, and the industry still mourns him".[45]

Social and cultural commentary around his death also reflected broader issues, such as mental health, the pressures of stardom, and the need for protective measures for actors facing intense public scrutiny.[46]

Over the years, anniversaries of his death have consistently been marked by fans paying tribute, media retrospectives, and renewed discussions on the unresolved aspects of his case.[47]

Current status

As of late 2025, a murder case has been filed at Ramna Police Station naming 11 accused persons following a court order that directed the case be treated as murder.[21]

Travel bans have been imposed on suspects including Samira Haque and actor Don to prevent them from leaving Bangladesh.[48]

Immigration authorities have been alerted, and police investigations are ongoing.[49][50][51]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Remembering Salman Shah". The Independent. Dhaka. 6 September 2014. Archived from the original on 5 February 2015. Retrieved 31 January 2015.
  2. ↑ "Salman Shah Forever etched in memory". The Daily Star. 6 September 2011. Retrieved 8 February 2017.
  3. ↑ Biswas, Prakash (12 July 2016). "Police Bureau of Investigation to open fresh enquiry into movie star Salman Shah's death". bdnews24.com. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
  4. 1 2 "Actor Salman Shah's death case revived". The Daily Observer. Dhaka. 11 February 2015. Archived from the original on 1 January 2017. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
  5. ↑ "Aziz Mohammad Bhai surprised". The Daily Star. 26 July 1997. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
  6. ↑ "PBI concludes actor Salman Shah killed himself". Dhaka Tribune. 24 February 2020.
  7. ↑ "Dhaka court orders murder case over actor Salman Shah's death after 29 years". The Financial Express. 20 October 2025. Retrieved 22 October 2025.
  8. ↑ "Court orders further investigation into Actor Salman Shah killing case". United News of Bangladesh. 20 October 2025. Retrieved 22 October 2025.
  9. ↑ "Court orders murder case over actor Salman Shah's death after 29 years". The Business Standard. 20 October 2025. Retrieved 23 October 2025.
  10. ↑ Kanak Chapa (2025-11-13). "প্রিয় নায়ক সালমান শাহ স্মরণে কিছু কথা". Retrieved 2026-07-02.
  11. ↑ "Murder case to be filed 29 years after Salman Shah's death". bdnews24.com. 20 October 2025. Retrieved 23 October 2025.
  12. ↑ "Court orders murder case over actor Salman Shah's death after 29 years". Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS). 20 October 2025. Retrieved 23 October 2025.
  13. ↑ "সালমান শাহ হত্যা মামলা নতুন মোড়ে". দৈনিক টার্গেট (in Bengali). 2025-10-24. Retrieved 2025-10-26.
  14. ↑ "Murder case filed against wife Samira, 10 others over Salman Shah's death". Dhaka Tribune. 21 October 2025. Retrieved 23 October 2025.
  15. ↑ "Salman Shah murder case verdict set for Oct 20". The Financial Post. 13 October 2025. Retrieved 23 October 2025.
  16. ↑ Rahman, Hifzur (31 October 2003). "The Graveyard of Salman Shah". The Star (magazine). Vol. 1, no. 128. Retrieved 8 February 2017.
  17. 1 2 "Remembering Salman Shah". TBS News. 6 September 2020. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
  18. 1 2 "Legendary actor remembered". Bangladesh Post. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
  19. ↑ "Salman Shah's legacy lives on". The Daily Star. 19 September 2024. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
  20. ↑ "PBI concludes actor Salman Shah killed himself". Dhaka Tribune. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
  21. 1 2 3 4 5 "Salman Shah murder case: What to know". TBS News. 27 October 2025. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
  22. 1 2 "29 years after actor Salman Shah's death, wife and 10 others face murder charges". bdnews24.com. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
  23. ↑ "Salman Shah death case: Two decades on, questions remain". Dhaka Tribune. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
  24. ↑ "Murder case filed against wife Samira, 10 others over Salman Shah's death". BSS News. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
  25. 1 2 3 4 "Salman Shah death: Two decades on, many questions unanswered". Dhaka Tribune. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
  26. ↑ "Court accepts revision for hearing Salman Shah death case". Observer BD. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
  27. 1 2 "Salman Shah case: Accused admits killing for Tk 12 L; mother-in-law linked". Dhaka Tribune. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
  28. 1 2 "Death of Salman Shah: Dhaka court accepts PBI probe report". The Daily Star. November 2021. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
  29. ↑ "Court orders further investigation into actor Salman Shah killing case". UNB. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
  30. 1 2 "Salman Shah committed suicide for feud over Shabnur: PBI". TBS News. 24 February 2020. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
  31. ↑ "Salman Shah's death: Court accepts PBI report saying actor died by suicide, not murdered". The Daily Star. 31 October 2021. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
  32. 1 2 "Court orders murder case over actor Salman Shah's death after 29 years". TBS News. 20 October 2025. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
  33. ↑ "Salman Shah murder case details revealed". TBS News. 27 October 2025. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
  34. ↑ "Salman Shah murder case witness statements". Dhaka Tribune. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
  35. ↑ "It was suicide, not murder". The Daily Star. 25 February 2020. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
  36. ↑ "Salman Shah's family insists on murder probe". bdnews24.com. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
  37. ↑ "Salman Shah was murdered as planned: Nila Chowdhury". Daily Sun. March 2020. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
  38. ↑ "PBI submits final report on Salman Shah's death". New Age Bangladesh. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
  39. ↑ "Fans form human chain demanding quick trial over Salman Shah's murder". Views Bangladesh. November 2025. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
  40. ↑ "Salman Shah: Two decades of unanswered questions". Dhaka Tribune. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
  41. ↑ "'I still carry Salman's memories with me'". The Asian Age. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
  42. ↑ "Shakib Khan remembers Salman Shah on his 29th death anniversary". The Report. 6 September 2025. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
  43. ↑ "Salman Shah's biopic shelved as his mother voices objections". The Daily Star. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
  44. ↑ "Shabnur recalls Salman Shah". The Daily Star. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
  45. ↑ "Salman Shah remembered by co-actors". bdnews24.com. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
  46. ↑ "Salman Shah death sparks debate on mental health in Dhallywood". New Age Bangladesh. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
  47. ↑ "Siam pays homage to Salman Shah in "Number One Hero"". Dhaka Tribune. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
  48. ↑ "Travel ban imposed on Samira, Dawn over Salman Shah murder case". BSS News. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
  49. ↑ "Police send information to immigration to prevent accused from leaving country". Bangladesh Pratidin. 25 October 2025. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
  50. ↑ "Salman Shah Murder Case Accused Don Arrested | Salman Shah murder accused arrested at Dhaka airport: Police | The Daily Star". www.thedailystar.net. Retrieved 13 August 2026.
  51. ↑ Khan, Kawsar (11 August 2026). "New controversy over Salman Shah's death after 29 years, Shabnur speaks". Prothomalo. Retrieved 13 August 2026.
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