Female IU prof stabbed dead by staffer

A female professor at Islamic University (IU) in Kushtia was stabbed to death inside her office on Wednesday afternoon, while the accused staff member later attempted to take his own life in the same room.

Asma Sadia Runa, assistant professor and chair of the Social Welfare Department at Islamic University, was attacked around 4:00 pm on Wednesday at the department located in the Theology and Islamic Studies Faculty building.

The accused, identified as Fazlur Rahman, a staff member of the Political Science Department and formerly attached to Social Welfare, allegedly carried out the attack before attempting suicide.

University proctorial body members and police from Islamic University Police Station responded to the scene and recovered both in critical condition. They were first taken to the university medical center and later transferred to Kushtia General Hospital, where doctors declared Runa dead.

Residential Medical Officer Imam Hossain of Kushtia General Hospital confirmed her death.

According to university sources, the accused had reportedly not been receiving his salary for an extended period. Following a dispute with the department chair over the issue, he was recently transferred from the Social Welfare Department to the Political Science Department. 

Investigators believe resentment over the transfer and salary complications may have motivated the attack.

An Ansar member on duty at the building said he and several others were downstairs when they heard cries for help. They rushed upstairs and called out from outside the chairman’s office. When no one responded, they broke down the door and found the professor lying face down and bleeding, while the staff member was attempting to harm himself. The administration was immediately informed.

A student of the department, Mahmud, said the accused had been transferred about two months ago but was unwilling to accept the decision. He described Fazlur as a founding employee of the department who was deeply familiar with its operations. “We never imagined it would escalate to this level,” he said.

The student added that at the time of the incident, most faculty members and staff were absent due to a scheduled program later in the afternoon. The office door had not been locked earlier, but the accused allegedly entered and locked it from inside before carrying out the attack.

Police said an investigation is underway to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.