Authorities in Dhaka’s bustling Bashundhara residential area recovered the lifeless body of a private university student from her apartment on Wednesday night. The deceased has been identified as Mahmuda Akter, also known as Zerin, aged 27. She was a student at the American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB).
According to Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Bhatara Police Station, Md. Imamul Haque, Mahmuda resided alone in a rented room within Block C of Bashundhara Residential Area. Neighbours in the adjacent room, noticing that her door had remained locked for an unusually long period, alerted the police on Wednesday evening. Upon arrival, law enforcement broke into the room and discovered Mahmuda’s body hanging from a ceiling fan, with a scarf wound around her neck.
Mahmuda’s room was privately rented, and she lived alongside other students in neighbouring quarters. The police have initiated an unnatural death investigation under Bhatara Police Station, and her body was sent to the Dhaka Medical College morgue for post-mortem examination the same night. Officials emphasise that the exact cause of death will only be confirmed after the forensic report is completed.
Speaking to the press, the investigation officer, Sub-Inspector Abdul Wadud, cited that Mahmuda had been mentally distressed in recent weeks. Based on preliminary observations and accounts from her fellow students, it is believed that she may have taken her own life due to emotional and psychological strain.
Mahmuda hailed from Sonaimuri Upazila in Noakhali District. Her father, Khorshed Ali, and family members are reported to be in deep shock following the tragic news. University authorities have also expressed concern and are reportedly offering counselling support to students affected by the incident.
The following table summarises the key details of the incident:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of Deceased | Mahmuda Akter (Zerin) |
| Age | 27 years |
| University | American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) |
| Residence | Rented room, Block C, Bashundhara Residential Area |
| Discovery Time | Wednesday evening |
| Circumstances | Found hanging from ceiling fan, scarf around neck |
| Police Action | Unnatural death case filed at Bhatara Police Station |
| Post-Mortem | Sent to Dhaka Medical College morgue |
| Family Background | Native of Sonaimuri, Noakhali; father Khorshed Ali |
| Preliminary Cause | Suspected suicide due to mental distress |
Police and university authorities continue to investigate the incident to determine any underlying factors. Neighbours and fellow students reported that Mahmuda had appeared isolated and emotionally distressed in the days preceding her death. The community has expressed grief and concern over the tragic loss of a young student in her prime years.
This incident highlights growing concerns regarding mental health among university students, prompting authorities and educational institutions to consider counselling and support programmes for students facing emotional challenges.
The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities awaiting the post-mortem report to provide a definitive explanation for Mahmuda’s death.