Dhaka, Dec. 12 -- Koelhat Purbapara in Rajshahi's Pachander Union has been stunned by grief since Thursday night. The air hangs heavy with sharp sorrow ever since the local mosque announced that 2-year-old Sajid, the son of local Rakib Uddin, had died.

From Friday morning, people clad in Punjabis, white skull caps or light winterwear started streaming to Sajid's home along the village roads.

In the morning, thousands gathered at the large empty ground near the Nekkiri Graveyard. From schoolgoers to the elderly, everyone had tears welling in their eyes.

Everyone wanted to catch a glimpse of the innocent face that had been all smiles only a few days ago. Now, there is only silence.

The little body, wrapped in a white shroud, was brought...