The incident occurred at Srirampur Bazar Mosque in Moukoran Union under Sadar Upazila of Patuakhali district in the early morning of Monday (August 17).

Like every day, the mosque's imam Ataullah made preparations for the Fajr prayer at dawn. After going into prostration in the second rak'ah of the Sunnah prayer, he did not get up again. Later, realizing what had happened, the worshippers went near and found him dead.

Hafez Muhammad Ataullah was a resident of the area adjacent to Talukdar Bazar in Ward No. 5 of Srirampur Union under Dumki Upazila. His father is Maulana Abdus Salam. Ataullah, the only son of his father, studied at Jamia Ashrafia Madrasa in Patuakhali. He had two children in his family.

Talking to locals, it has been learned that Ataullah had been serving as the imam of that market mosque in Moukoran Union for about one and a half years. Besides leading prayers and carrying out religious duties, he had a close relationship with the locals. He was a beloved person to the worshippers for his gentle nature and good manners.

A neighbor said, Ataullah was a very calm and good person. He used to talk to everyone sincerely. He was never seen treating anyone badly. He regularly performed prayers and followed religious rules. No one had ever thought that he would die so suddenly.

His cousin Mohibullah said, Ataullah was the only son of his father. He has two small children. He was very important to the family. Relatives are grieving at his sudden death. It is very painful for us that he left this way leaving behind his little children.

As news of Ataullah's death spread, a shadow of grief fell over the worshippers, relatives and locals. Many gathered at his home and the mosque in the morning to see him one last time.

According to family sources, Ataullah's first funeral prayer is scheduled to be held in front of Srirampur Bazar Mosque after the Zuhr prayer on Monday. Later, the second funeral prayer will be held at his own home after the Asr prayer.