RU student found dead in hostel room

A student of Rajshahi University (RU) was found hanging in his hostel room on Wednesday afternoon, with police and university officials suspecting suicide following an apparent dispute with his girlfriend.

The deceased, Mahfuzur Rahman, was a second-year student of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering (2022-23 academic session), from Brahmanbaria.

According to fellow hostel residents, Mahfuzur had been experiencing relationship troubles with a close friend for some time. Around 2:00PM Wednesday, the two were speaking over a video call when the girlfriend, sensing something was wrong, phoned the mess manager and urged him to check on Mahfuzur's room at Ayesha Tower hostel under Amjader Mor area of the city.

Upon arrival, the manager and other residents found the door locked from the inside. After forcing it open, they discovered Mahfuzur hanging from a ceiling fan. His body was recovered at approximately 2:30PM.

Other residents believe he took his life while still on the video call with the girl.

RU Proctor Professor Mahbubur Rahman, rushed to the scene after receiving the news, said that no suicide note or signs of physical injury were found on the body. "Preliminary indications suggest suicide, but we are working to establish the full facts," he said.

Head of the Materials Science and Engineering Department, Professor Abdul Matin, confirmed that the deceased's family had been informed and were on their way to Rajshahi. The body has been placed in the university medical centre's freezing van.

Motihar Police Station officer-in-charge (OC) Mohammad Golam Kabir said a preliminary inquest had been conducted. 

"The cause of death will be confirmed after investigation. Depending on the wishes of the family handing over the body without an autopsy may be considered," the OC added.

TZ