Acid Attack on Habiganj Factory Worker Sparks Outrage

An industrial worker has suffered catastrophic facial burns following a corrosive substance attack allegedly carried out by her ex-husband in Habiganj Sadar Upazila. The victim, who remains in a critical condition, was rushed to a specialised medical facility in the capital to undergo emergency plastic surgery and burn care.

The targeted assault took place at roughly 21:00 on Thursday, 4 June, within the Borobohula neighbourhood of Sadar Upazila.

Background of the Victim and Accused

The victim of the assault is Rubina Akhter, aged 28, a resident of Borobohula who works at a local manufacturing plant operated by the PRAN food and beverage company.

Police intelligence and local community testimonies indicate that Rubina was previously married to Uzzal Miah, a resident of Anandapur village and son of the late Abdul Barik. The profiles of the primary parties involved are structured below:

The marriage dissolved approximately six months ago due to chronic domestic friction. Following the separation, Uzzal Miah reportedly harboured resentment, frequently stalking and intimidating Rubina on public streets as she traveled to and from her workplace.

Sequence of the Incident

The ambush occurred as Rubina Akhter was returning home at the end of her factory shift. As she approached her residence in Borobohula, Uzzal Miah, who had concealed himself along the route, unexpectedly intercepted her and threw acid directly onto her face.

Rubina’s screams drew nearby residents to the location. Witnessing the gathering crowd, the assailant fled the scene, evading immediate capture.

Emergency Response and Law Enforcement Actions

Local residents immediately transferred the severely injured woman to Habiganj District Sadar Hospital. Assessing the severity of the chemical burns, the on-duty medical staff determined that her injuries required highly specialised attention and ordered her immediate transfer to the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in Dhaka.

The targeted violence has provoked deep anger among local residents, who are demanding swift justice. Acknowledging the incident, the Additional Superintendent of Police (Habiganj Sadar Circle), Md. Shahidul Haque Munshi, confirmed that a corrosive liquid, suspected to be acid, had severely damaged one side of the woman’s face.

The senior police official noted:

“We are thoroughly investigating the entire matter. The accused individual has already been identified, and efforts are actively underway to apprehend him.”