A tragic incident has shaken Islamic University, as Asma Sadia Runa, Chairman and Associate Professor of the Social Welfare Department, succumbed to her injuries following a targeted knife attack within her office this afternoon.
The attending physician declared the professor dead at approximately 5:00 PM. The attacker, identified as Fazlu, a former employee of the department, has also been hospitalized and remains in critical condition after turning the weapon on himself.
The incident occurred at the Social Science Faculty building. According to preliminary reports, the tragedy was fueled by ongoing grievances regarding unpaid wages and the recent transfer of Fazlu from the Social Welfare Department to the Political Science Department.
An Ansar member stationed at the building described the chaotic scene: “We were nearby when we suddenly heard cries for help. We rushed upstairs to the Chairman’s room, but the door was locked from the inside. When we broke the door open, we found the Professor lying on the floor in a critical, bloodied state. The attacker was also inside, actively harming himself with the knife.”
Students present at the university expressed deep shock over the escalation. Mahmud, a student of the Social Welfare Department, noted that the tension had been building for some time.
“Fazlu was transferred to the Political Science Department about two months ago, but he was unable to accept the decision,” Mahmud stated. “He was a long-time employee here and felt a strong connection to this department. We knew there was some friction, but we never imagined it would reach such a violent level.”
According to witnesses, the department was relatively empty at the time of the attack, as most faculty and students were preparing for a scheduled program at 5:00 PM. This lack of oversight appears to have provided the opportunity for the suspect to enter the Chairman’s office and lock the door before initiating the attack.
University authorities are expected to launch a formal investigation into the security lapse and the circumstances surrounding this incident.
