Children Demand Justice for Murdered Mother

The tragic murder of Assistant Professor Asma Sadia Runa, head of the Department of Social Welfare at Islamic University, has sparked both administrative action and public outcry. In response, the university administration has temporarily suspended three staff members implicated in the case and formed a five-member investigative committee to look into the incident.

Acting Registrar Professor Manjurul Haque confirmed the measures yesterday, stating that the suspension aligns with university employment regulations, as the individuals are formally named in the murder case.

Suspended Staff Members

Investigative Committee

The committee is chaired by Professor Mizanur Rahman of the Department of Accounting and Information Systems, with the Academic Branch Deputy Registrar (Education), Golam Mowla, appointed as member-secretary. Other members include:

Professor Dr Rashiduzzaman, Department of Bengali

Professor Dr Obaidul Islam, Student Adviser

Professor Dr Gazi Arifuzzaman Khan, Provost of Lalon Shah Hall

The committee has been instructed to submit its findings urgently.

Public Demonstration by Family

In a heartfelt plea for justice, Asma Sadia’s four children, accompanied by family members, took to the streets of Kushtia. At 10:00 am yesterday, a human chain and public assembly were held in front of Kushtia Press Club, attended by students, relatives, and faculty members.

Her eldest child, Iffat Tayyiba Ilma, emotionally addressed the gathering: “At night, our mother would comfort us to sleep. Now, without her, my younger siblings cannot sleep. We stay awake, hoping justice will be served. Those who killed our mother must be punished severely.”

Children held placards reading: “Return Our Mother” and “We Are Motherless, Four Siblings”. They were supported by their father, Imtiaz Sultan, and relatives, with the youngest siblings in family members’ arms.

Student Ultimatum

Later in the day, students submitted a memorandum to Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Nakeeb Mohammad Nasrullah, demanding justice within 15 days. Their demands included:

Prompt trial and punishment for those responsible

Compensation of BDT 40 million to the family within 30 days

Ensuring the family receives all university entitlements

Naming a significant university building after the late professor to preserve her memory

The incident has left the university community in shock, and the children’s public activism has drawn nationwide attention, highlighting the urgent call for justice and institutional accountability.