Tragedy of Dhaka University student’s mother’s brutal murder; wave of grief in hall

PNN News Desk, Dhaka

A wave of deep grief and tension has spread at the Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall of University of Dhaka after the brutal killing of a housewife in Bogura. The victim’s daughter, Prarthana Majumder, a student of the university’s Psychology Department, broke down in tears late at night after receiving the news of her mother’s death.

According to university and local sources, on Wednesday (May 20) at around 11:00 PM, Prarthana Majumder learned over the phone from her village home that her mother had been brutally murdered in her room in Gabtali, Bogura. Immediately after receiving the news, she burst into tears, screaming uncontrollably. Within moments, other students in the hall gathered, and the entire environment turned mournful.

Hall authorities said that immediately after the incident, the university proctor was informed. The proctor then took necessary steps and contacted the student’s family. Later, when the student’s brother arrived at the campus, arrangements were made to send her home with him.

Acting Proctor of University of Dhaka Associate Professor Md. Israfil Prang told the media, “As soon as we learned about the incident, we arranged for the student to be sent home. After her brother arrived, we arranged transportation and sent them.”

He also added that after the incident in the hall at night, a strong atmosphere of grief and crying spread among other students.

Meanwhile, police from Gabtali Model Police Station in Bogura said the body of the deceased housewife, Rita Rani, was recovered from the floor of her bedroom. It is suspected that she was killed by slitting her throat sometime during the night.

Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Gabtali Model Police Station, Rakib Hasan, said police recovered the body and sent it for autopsy. He stated, “Primarily, we suspect this could be the result of a family dispute. However, nothing can be confirmed until the investigation is completed.”

The victim’s husband, Bidhan Chandra Roy, said that after dinner they went to sleep in separate rooms. Later, he heard sudden noises and screams, and upon entering the room, he found his wife lying in a bloodied state.

Locals rushed to the scene immediately after the incident, after which the attackers reportedly fled. Police later arrived and recovered the body.

A murder case has been filed, and police say investigations are ongoing to identify those involved and uncover the motive.

On social media, many expressed outrage over the incident. Former coordinator of the anti-discrimination student movement Abdul Qader condemned the killing in a post, questioning the country’s law and order situation.