“That picture itself shows—it wasn’t suicide, it was murder,” claims Neela Chowdhury

In 1996, the body of popular actor Salman Shah was recovered from his apartment in Eskaton, Dhaka. For years, the incident was described as suicide. But nearly 29 years later, a Dhaka court has now ordered the case to be treated as murder.

“After so many years, I finally feel a sense of hope.”

Neela Chowdhury: It’s been a very long wait. I never imagined the legal process would move this quickly. I’m grateful to the Almighty. Emotionally, I feel empty—my whole body and soul feel hollow. My son was murdered, and now there’s finally a case for it. After all these years of fighting against injustice, I feel that justice may finally be within reach.

“For 29 years, I’ve been blamed and humiliated.”

Neela Chowdhury: During these 29 years, many have called me names. Some even accused me of being responsible for my son’s death. People said terrible things about him too. I was blamed by Samira, Aziz, and Don. But I never lost faith. I always believed that one day the law would prove it was murder. The way the court described the incident on Monday brought me peace and comfort after so long.

“I still believe justice will prevail.”

Neela Chowdhury: I do feel this is a step toward justice. I have faith that, Inshallah, I’ll see the truth win out. Those who threatened me and spread lies will have to face consequences.

“I was even threatened recently.”

Neela Chowdhury: Just a month ago, Don threatened me again—told me to come in front of the Press Club. Can you imagine? The same man who once hovered around my son, now daring to threaten me!

“Money and media manipulation blocked justice.”

Neela Chowdhury: Journalists and media insiders know what happened. Aziz Mohammad used his money to twist the narrative—painting Salman as immoral, unstable, involved in affairs—to destroy his image. A powerful media syndicate was behind it, suppressing the truth and obstructing justice in every possible way.

“I prayed for justice, never gave up.”

Neela Chowdhury: We knew it was murder from day one. I never gave up the fight to prove it. After performing Hajj in 2002, I prayed constantly for justice. I knew I would see it someday—even if not in this life, then in the next.

“He had no reason to take his own life.”

Neela Chowdhury: Salman used to call his father Mr. Negative and me Leader. He was affectionate, loving. At night, he’d sit by me, rest his head on my lap, and talk about his life. He was unhappy in his marriage. Samira often insulted him. He once told me she had changed completely. I told him to end it, and he replied, “Amma, she’ll leave on her own. I don’t have to.” He was planning to send a divorce notice.

So tell me—why would he kill himself? Just the day before, we talked about opening an orphanage together. Does that sound like someone ready to commit suicide? Never.

“I had to flee for safety.”

Neela Chowdhury: Yes, I was afraid. My life and my brother’s were in danger. They tried to harm me. In 2018, I left for London. From there, I’ve continued to pursue the case. I appeal to the authorities—please bring the accused to justice quickly. If not, they’ll flee again. They’re still a threat to our safety.

“This time,  believe they’ll finally be caught.”

Neela Chowdhury: In the past, the powerful people behind this case always tried to stop justice because they feared exposure. But now, I think the accused will soon be apprehended. I no longer see the same obstacles as before, though I’ve suffered greatly over the years.

“Even judges mocked my fight for justice.”

Neela Chowdhury: At times, court rulings were given just to please both sides—that’s not justice. Judges even mocked me in court. Once, a hearing was canceled because a judge had a family matter. I had to sit in the Home Minister’s office till 1 a.m. just to speak about the case. Imagine that!

When I finally met him, he said, “This case is dead now.” I wanted to show him a picture of Salman’s body—to prove it was murder, not suicide—but couldn’t. That picture alone tells the whole story.

Later, PBI officer Monoj Kumar insulted and ridiculed me for pursuing an “old case.” That’s when I realized—Samira’s influence was everywhere. I stayed silent, holding on to my anger and patience.

“It was a planned killing.”

Neela Chowdhury: The signs were all there—on his body, in the evidence. It was murder, clear as day. Samira brought people from Chattogram; they, along with others, executed the plan. Several flats in that building were rented by Aziz Mohammad, where his people stayed. For 29 years, I’ve said the same thing—my son was not someone who’d take his own life.