A man allegedly drank poison with his three children in Tahirpur of Sunamganj early Saturday, leaving all three children dead and the father critically ill.

The incident occurred in the border village of Rajni Line in the upazila.

Police and locals said Jamsed Ali allegedly drank poison with his three children late on Friday night. Neighbours and relatives heard their groans and rescued them before taking them to Dr Hafiz Uddin Complex at Badaghat Bazar.

Doctors there declared the three children dead. Jamsed received initial treatment before being transferred to Sunamganj Sadar Hospital in critical condition.

Local resident Harun Mia said Jamsed’s wife lives in the Middle East for work and he stayed at home with their three children.

Relatives suspect that Jamsed may have taken the drastic step following an argument with his wife over the phone.

Hossain Mohammad Arafat, in-charge of the Badaghat Police Investigation Centre, said police found the three children unconscious after receiving information about the incident.

The bodies are being taken to Tahirpur Upazila Health Complex, he said, adding that the exact reason behind the incident has yet to be confirmed.