Indian man died in Bangladesh in 2021. His body is still in hospital morgue.

The body of an Indian national has remained in a hospital morgue in northern Bangladesh for nearly five years as legal complications, diplomatic procedures and his family’s reluctance have delayed its return or final rites.

Prabir Mondal, 41, died of cardiac arrest at Rangpur Medical College Hospital on Nov. 8, 2021, after falling ill at a woman’s home in Lalmonirhat district, officials said.

Police recovered a passport showing Mondal entered Bangladesh through Benapole on a tourist visa in March 2018 and returned to India later that month. Investigators found no official record of how he re-entered Bangladesh.

“We are still in contact with the deceased’s younger brother, Subir Mondal, but the family has not shown any willingness to claim the body,” said Ramzan Ali, officer-in-charge of Patgram Police Station, to the Daily Star.

Hospital official Dulal Bosunia said authorities would either release the body or arrange final rites according to religious customs once instructions are received.

Rangpur Deputy Commissioner Ruhul Amin said the case is being pursued through diplomatic channels. He said the remains could be buried or cremated in Bangladesh if Indian authorities and the family decline to accept them.