Kushtia, Bangladesh – The death of Asma Sadia Runna, head of the Department of Social Welfare and assistant professor at Islamic University (IU), has been officially attributed to excessive blood loss, according to a preliminary post-mortem conducted at Kushtia Sadar Hospital. Medical experts confirmed that multiple injuries were present on her body, with a critical neck wound identified as fatal.
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Findings from Post-Mortem Examination
Dr Imam Hossain, Resident Medical Officer (RMO) at Kushtia Sadar Hospital, confirmed the results on Thursday, 5 March. He reported that a deep incision was found on the lower right side of Runna’s neck, caused by a sharp object such as a knife. The wound severed a major blood vessel, resulting in heavy internal and external bleeding.
Dr Hossain stated:
“The excessive blood loss from the neck wound was the primary cause of death. In addition, there were around twenty injuries on her chest, back, abdomen, and arms. These were defensive wounds sustained while she attempted to protect herself and were not life-threatening.”
A medical board comprising Dr Hossain, Medical Officer Rumon Rahman, and Sumaiya Jannat examined the incident. While further forensic investigation is not currently deemed necessary, the board will issue a final report to formalise the findings.
Incident Overview
The attack occurred on Wednesday, 4 March, at approximately 4:00 pm, inside the Faculty of Theology and Islamic Studies building at IU. Eyewitnesses and preliminary police reports state that a former employee of the Social Welfare Department, Fazlur Rahman, attacked Runna with a knife in what appeared to be an attempted suicide. Both individuals were found in a bloodied state by university officials and IU police.
They were transported immediately to Kushtia Sadar Hospital. Runna was pronounced dead upon arrival, while Fazlur Rahman survived and was taken into police custody for investigation. Authorities are examining the motives behind the attack and the circumstances leading to the incident.
Summary of Injuries
| Injury Location | Description | Severity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neck (lower right) | Deep cut severing major blood vessel | Fatal | Cause of death due to blood loss |
| Chest | Multiple superficial cuts | Non-fatal | Defensive wounds |
| Back | Several superficial lacerations | Non-fatal | Defensive wounds |
| Abdomen | Multiple minor cuts | Non-fatal | Defensive wounds |
| Arms / Hands | Minor cuts and bruises | Non-fatal | Injuries while defending herself |
| Total identified | Approximately 20 injuries | Mixed | Includes fatal and defensive wounds |
Reactions and Next Steps
Dr Hossain emphasised that the preliminary post-mortem clearly establishes the cause of death. IU authorities and the police have launched a full investigation into the attack. University officials have appealed for calm among staff and students while the inquiry proceeds.
Broader Implications
The incident has raised concerns over workplace safety and security within academic institutions. Experts highlight the importance of conflict resolution, early intervention, and enhanced security measures to prevent similar occurrences.
The loss of Asma Sadia Runna represents a profound blow to Islamic University and the academic community, underlining the urgent need for protective measures to safeguard faculty, staff, and students from potential violence.
With the investigation ongoing, attention now focuses on both establishing the motives behind the attack and ensuring that similar tragedies are prevented in the future.