University Student Found Dead in Dhaka Apartment

Authorities in Dhaka have recovered the body of a young female university student from a flat in the bustling Bashundhara Residential Area. The incident occurred on Wednesday night, sending shockwaves through both the local community and her university circle.

The deceased has been identified as Mahmuda Akter, also known as Jerin, aged 27. She was a student at the American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB). According to reports, she had been living alone in a rented room in Block C of Bashundhara Residential Area, while fellow students occupied neighbouring rooms.

Circumstances of Discovery

Bhattara Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge, Md. Imaul Haque, stated that the neighbouring students became concerned after observing that Mahmuda’s room door had remained locked for an unusually long period. They subsequently informed the Bhattara Police, who arrived promptly, forced entry, and found Mahmuda’s body hanging from a ceiling fan, her neck wrapped with a scarf.

The room, rented by Mahmuda, bore no immediate signs of struggle, though the exact circumstances of her death remain under investigation.

Legal and Medical Proceedings

Following standard legal procedure, the body was transported to the Dhaka Medical College Hospital morgue for a post-mortem examination. Bhattara Police have registered a case under the category of unnatural death. Authorities emphasise that the definitive cause of death will be confirmed once the post-mortem report is available.

Investigation officer, Sub-Inspector Abdul Wadud, speaking to the media, indicated that Mahmuda had shown signs of mental distress in recent times. “According to statements from her peers, she appeared to be experiencing significant depression. Suicide cannot be ruled out,” he said.

Personal Background

Mahmuda hailed from Sonaimuri Upazila in Noakhali District, and was the daughter of Khorshed Ali. She was reportedly devoted to her studies and well-regarded among her peers. The tragic incident has sparked concern over the mental health and well-being of students living away from home.

Below is a summary of Mahmuda’s personal and academic details:

Authorities have called for heightened awareness of mental health issues among students living independently and emphasised the importance of regular check-ins by both family and educational institutions. Mahmuda’s death serves as a somber reminder of the pressures faced by young adults navigating academic and personal challenges far from home.