News Flash
ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY, Kushtia, Mar 4, 2026 (BSS) - Asma Sadia Runa (40), the chairman of Social Welfare Department of Islamic University (IU) in Kushtia, was stabbed to death at her office today.
The attacker, identified as Khandaker Fazlur Rahman, 35, an unpaid employee formerly attached to the same department, allegedly stabbed her and later slit his own throat in an apparent suicide attempt.
The incident occurred around 4:30 pm inside the chairman's office of the department.
Departmental sources said Fazlur Rahman had been working as a block-allocation-based day labourer. He was recently transferred to the Political Science Department following an internal issue with the chairman. Some suspect the transfer may have triggered the attack.
Witnesses said students rushed to the room after hearing screams and rescued the injured duo. They were first taken to the university medical centre and later shifted to Kushtia General Hospital.
Residential Medical Officer of Kushtia General Hospital, Dr Imam Hossain, said Assistant Professor Asma Sadia Runa was declared dead around 6:00 pm.
The incident sparked panic across the campus, with many students expressing anger on social media and raising concerns over administrative lapses and campus security measures.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Nakib Muhammad Nasrullah visited the scene along with members of the university's security cell and collected CCTV footage through the ICT Cell. Later, officials from the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI), Crime Scene Unit and Criminal Investigation Department (CID) inspected the site and collected evidence.
Authorities said they would investigate how the accused entered the chairman's office carrying a sharp weapon. Allegations related to salary and transfer issues will also be examined as part of the inquiry.
