Teacher Seriously Injured in Bhairab Machete Attack

A private school teacher is undergoing treatment in hospital after suffering life-threatening injuries in an alleged machete attack inside a student’s home in Bhairab, Kishoreganj. Police have arrested the student’s mother on charges of attempted murder following the incident, which investigators say is now under detailed examination.

The attack took place on Monday morning in Panaullahar Char village under Shibpur Union. The victim, 28-year-old schoolteacher Sinthi Simita, was reportedly assaulted after asking to be paid her outstanding tuition fees. She sustained multiple deep wounds, including at least ten blows to the head, lost one finger and suffered serious injuries across her body. She is currently receiving treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital.

According to police, the accused, Priya Begum, 25, the wife of local restaurant owner Bayezid Mia, was detained by local residents immediately after the incident and handed over to law enforcement officers. She was later arrested in a case filed on charges of attempted murder and was sent to Kishoreganj District Jail by a court on Tuesday.

Senior Sub-Inspector Emdadul Kabir of Bhairab Police Station said investigators are examining whether any motive beyond the reported dispute over tuition fees may have contributed to the attack.

Family members said Simita had been teaching one of Priya Begum’s children at the family’s home for the past three months for a monthly fee of Tk 1,500. They alleged that tension arose after the teacher requested payment of the outstanding tuition fees. On the morning of the incident, she completed the lesson as usual. As she was preparing to leave, the student’s mother allegedly locked the door from the inside and attacked her repeatedly with a sharp weapon.

Because the room was locked, the teacher was reportedly unable to escape despite repeated attempts. Hearing her screams, neighbours rushed to the house, rescued her and restrained the alleged attacker before informing police.

Doctors initially treated the victim at Bhairab Upazila Health Complex before referring her to Dhaka Medical College Hospital because of the severity of her injuries. Medical staff said she suffered ten serious wounds to her head, requiring approximately 50 stitches. Seven fingers were also severely injured, while one finger had to be amputated due to the extent of the damage.

Speaking from hospital, Simita described the terrifying moments of the attack. She said the first blow landed on her head, after which she ran towards the door in an attempt to escape. She discovered that, unlike previous visits when only one latch was used, the door had been secured with two latches, leaving her trapped inside.

She also alleged that she had been wearing around two bhori of gold jewellery on her neck, hands and ears at the time. According to her account, the attacker repeatedly demanded the jewellery during the assault, saying, “I do not have any gold. Why are you wearing so much? Give me your gold.”

The complainant in the case, Shishu Mia, claimed the assault had been carefully planned with the intention of killing the teacher and taking her jewellery. He further alleged that the accused had previously been involved in similar incidents in the locality and claimed attempts were now being made to portray her as mentally unstable in order to reduce the seriousness of the allegations.

Police have stated that all aspects of the case, including the victim’s allegations regarding robbery and any possible premeditation, are being investigated. Authorities say further legal action will depend on the findings of the investigation.