Body of Bangladeshi domestic worker returns from Hong Kong amid abuse allegations

The body of a Bangladeshi domestic worker, who died in Hong Kong on July 17, reached her home in Sultanpur village of Joypurhat today.

Arati Munda's (27) body arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka around 1:00am on a Cathay Pacific flight and was later taken to her village. Her funeral was held at the village crematorium later in the day.

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She had been living in a flat on Chi Fu Road in Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong. On the morning of July 17, she was found unconscious and later declared dead at Queen Mary Hospital despite resuscitation attempts.

According to Hong Kong-based outlet Dimsum Daily, emergency services were called shortly before 8:00am after her employer discovered her unconscious.

Family members alleged Arati had been subjected to frequent physical abuse by her employer and said she had recorded several videos describing the alleged abuse.

They added that she had gone to Hong Kong about six and a half months ago through Nilphamari Evergreen Housekeepers Training Centre, which facilitates employment of Bangladeshi domestic workers.

Her cousin Putul Munda, also a domestic worker in Hong Kong, told The Daily Star over the phone that she had filed a complaint with Hong Kong police. “Police have collected blood samples and other necessary evidence from the deceased,” she said, adding that the cause of death would be known after the investigation is completed.