Habibur Masum Sentenced to Life for Murdering Wife in Bradford

In a tragic incident that shocked the community of Bradford, 27-year-old Habibur Masum has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of his wife, Kulsuma Akter, 27, in front of their infant son. The heinous act took place on April 6, 2024, when Akter was fatally stabbed multiple times while pushing their seven-month-old child in a pram through the city center. Masum, who had been tracking Akter's location, confronted her in a public area, attacking her viciously with a knife, inflicting 26 stab wounds before fleeing the scene.

The case, which unfolded at Bradford Crown Court, revealed the extent of domestic abuse Akter had faced prior to her death. According to Stephen Wood KC, the prosecuting attorney, Masum had previously threatened Akter and attempted to manipulate her into returning to him by sending fake messages from a local healthcare provider. Akter had sought refuge in a shelter since January 2024 after a prior incident where Masum held a knife to her throat.

During the trial, it was established that Masum had been loitering around the refuge where Akter was staying, and on the day of the murder, he had tracked her movements using her phone. Masum’s actions were described by Mr. Justice Cotter as "vicious and merciless," emphasizing the brutality of the attack, which occurred in full view of bystanders. CCTV footage presented in court showed Masum calmly walking away after the murder, without any visible signs of distress.

Following his conviction for murder, Masum was sentenced to a minimum of 28 years in prison. The court also noted that the Home Office is assessing Masum's immigration status, as he was in the UK on a graduate visa, which expired shortly after the incident. This raises the possibility of deportation upon serving his sentence, given his Bangladeshi nationality.

Kulsuma Akter's family expressed their devastation in court, with her brother's wife, Minara Begum, highlighting the emotional toll of the murder on their lives. The family described a deep sense of loss and unanswered questions that will haunt them indefinitely. Begum stated, "When I am at home and in the kitchen cutting things with a knife, I cannot stop myself thinking that he stabbed her brutally with a knife in front of their baby."

The case has drawn attention to the issues of domestic violence and the failures of the system to protect victims. Professor Sarah Johnson, a leading expert on domestic abuse at the University of Leeds, noted that incidents like Akter's murder underscore the urgent need for improved support systems for individuals in abusive situations. "We must prioritize preventive measures and provide adequate resources for shelters and counseling services to protect those at risk," she stated.

As the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, local authorities and advocacy groups are calling for greater awareness and education on the signs of domestic abuse. This case serves as a grim reminder of the dangers many face and the critical importance of timely intervention and support for victims.