Shock at Islamic University as Lecturer Murdered, Staff Member Attempts Suicide

PNN News Desk, Kushtia

At the Islamic University in Kushtia, a horrifying incident occurred in which Assistant Professor Asma Sadia Runa, Head of the Department of Social Welfare under the Faculty of Social Sciences, was murdered. In the same incident, the accused staff member, Fazlur Rahman, attempted suicide by slashing his own throat.

The tragic event took place on Wednesday (March 4) around 4:00 PM on the second floor of the Theology and Islamic Studies Faculty building, inside the department head’s office.

According to eyewitnesses, in the afternoon, they suddenly heard cries of “Help!” and ran upstairs along with a few students and a member of the Ansar force stationed in the building. They found the office door locked from inside. After breaking the door and entering, they discovered Asma Sadia Runa lying bloodied on the floor. They reported that the accused staff member was attempting to cut his own throat at the time.

The university’s proctorial body and IUB police quickly arrived at the scene and rescued both individuals. They were first taken to the university medical center and then, in critical condition, to Kushtia Sadar Hospital. Doctors declared Asma Sadia Runa dead at the hospital, while Fazlur Rahman remains under treatment.

Multiple teachers from the department stated that about one to one and a half months ago, Fazlur Rahman was transferred from the Department of Social Welfare to the Department of Political Science following allegations of insubordinate behavior towards the department head. It is reported that he had longstanding disputes over salary and behavioral issues with the department.

A teacher from the Social Welfare Department said that the transfer decision was taken through the departmental committee, but it is unimaginable that a mere transfer could result in such an incident. Another teacher mentioned that Fazlur Rahman joined on a temporary basis about eight years ago and occasionally behaved abusively towards colleagues.

According to students of the department, the accused was unable to accept the transfer order and often expressed resentment regarding the matter. At the time of the incident, no other officers or staff were present in the department, which they believe contributed to the situation spiraling out of control.

After the incident, police, the Detective Branch (DB), the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) personnel inspected the scene and collected evidence. Nearby CCTV footage is also under review.

Officer-in-Charge of IUB Police Station, Masud Rana, stated that it is preliminarily assumed that one of the two people inside the room harmed the other. However, a detailed investigation is ongoing.

University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Nakeeb Muhammad Nasrullah, said that a committee will be formed to investigate the cause of the incident. Security for teachers and students has been strengthened.

Meanwhile, Kushtia District Superintendent of Police, Jasim Uddin, described the incident as horrific, noting that the fact the door was locked from the inside is considered an important aspect of the investigation.

This violent incident has cast a shadow of grief and concern over the entire university community, including teachers and students. The true reason behind this brutal act will be revealed only after the investigation results are available.