Mysterious Death of University Student in Comilla

The police in Comilla have initiated an investigation following the discovery of the body of Jannatun Naim Fariha, a 23-year-old student at CCN University of Science and Technology. The deceased, a student of the 12th batch in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE), was found in a flat in the Monohorpur Munshifbari area of Comilla city on Tuesday night, 5 May.

Discovery and Police Action

According to Touhidul Anwar, the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Comilla Kotwali Model Thana, the police recovered the body from Flat 2/A of a building named ‘Kashem Garden’. Authorities were alerted to the situation and, at approximately 10:00 pm on Tuesday, police officers gained entry to the residence by breaking down the door.

The body has since been transported to the Comilla Medical College Hospital morgue for a post-mortem examination. While initial police observations suggested a possible suicide, officials have stated that the exact cause of death will only be confirmed once the autopsy report is finalised.

Background and Marital Dispute

Fariha, the eldest daughter of Md. Hanif Mia—a schoolteacher from Kandal village in Nangalkot Upazila—had been married for approximately eight months. Her husband, Mehedi Hasan Hridoy, is the son of Abdur Rahim from Meghna Upazila.

Information gathered indicates that the marriage was arranged through family channels. Following the wedding, Hridoy travelled to China on a scholarship for higher studies; however, he returned to Bangladesh shortly thereafter after failing to complete his objectives. This return reportedly led to significant domestic discord, primarily centred on Hridoy’s subsequent unemployment and the financial responsibilities of the household. Fariha had only returned to her husband’s Comilla residence from her paternal home on Monday, just one day before her death.

Key Case Details

Allegations of Foul Play

The victim’s father, Md. Hanif Mia, has formally rejected the notion of suicide, alleging that his daughter was murdered. He claims that the crime scene was staged to resemble a suicide. According to Mr Mia, Hridoy had a history of physically and mentally abusing Fariha and had previously threatened her with violence.

“My daughter aspired to become a software engineer,” Mr Mia stated, expressing his grief over her unfulfilled dreams. He has demanded a thorough investigation and judicial accountability for those responsible.

Institutional Response

The academic community has expressed deep shock at the incident. Professor Md. Jamal Nasser, the Registrar of CCN University, described Fariha as one of the institution’s most meritorious students. He joined the family in calling for a transparent investigation to ensure that justice is served.

As of Wednesday evening, the police confirmed that Fariha’s family is in the process of filing a case regarding incitement to suicide, pending the comprehensive findings of the medical examiners.