Habibur Masum, a 26-year-old man from Burnley, has been found guilty of murdering his wife, Kulsuma Akter, in a shocking act of violence that occurred in April 2024. This tragic incident transpired in Bradford when Masum confronted Akter, who was pushing their seven-month-old son in a pram. The confrontation escalated dramatically, resulting in Akter being stabbed more than 25 times, while thankfully, the infant remained unharmed throughout the ordeal.
During the proceedings at Bradford Crown Court, jurors learned about the deeply troubling history between the couple. Kulsuma Akter, aged 27, had been residing in a refuge since January after enduring a violent episode in which Masum had threatened her life by holding a knife to her throat in their home located in Oldham. Despite this grave history of domestic abuse, Masum managed to track Akter’s location on the day of the attack, mistakenly believing she was out meeting a friend while he was supposedly away in Spain.
This miscalculation proved fatal, as Masum’s obsession led him directly to the city center of Bradford, where the tragic encounter unfolded. CCTV footage presented during the trial showed him attempting to wrest control of the pram from Akter, indicating his desperate and aggressive behavior. When Akter refused to comply with his demands, Masum resorted to lethal violence, pulling out a knife from his jacket and initiating the brutal assault.
Although Masum initially pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter as well as possession of a bladed article, he was ultimately convicted of murder after a trial. The evidence, including his premeditated tracking of Akter and the details of the fatal confrontation, persuaded the jury to render a verdict of murder, a decision that highlights the gravity of his actions.
In addition to the murder conviction, Masum was found guilty of serious charges that also included assault by beating, making threats to kill, and stalking. These convictions paint a picture of a man whose violent tendencies extended beyond this single incident, contributing to a broader narrative of domestic abuse and the failures of systems designed to protect victims like Akter.
The aftermath of the case resonates deeply within communities where domestic violence remains a pressing concern. Kulsuma Akter’s murder emphasizes the dire need for societal change, as well as the necessity for more robust protective measures for individuals escaping violent relationships. The challenges faced by victims, including the ease with which abusers can track and harm them, necessitate urgent attention from lawmakers and advocates for better protection and resources that can help individuals find safe environments away from their aggressors.
The tragic murder of Kulsuma Akter, perpetrated by her husband, serves as a painful reminder of the consequences of unchecked domestic violence. In recognizing the vital role that community awareness and legal protections play in addressing these heinous acts, the hope remains that future tragedies can be prevented through comprehensive support systems that resonate with the experiences of survivors and prioritize their safety.
As the legal proceedings conclude, the conversation surrounding domestic violence and its ramifications continues. Society must grapple with the underlying issues that facilitate such violent outbreaks and work diligently towards fostering an environment that promotes dignity, respect, and due care for all individuals, irrespective of gender or circumstance. There remains a collective need for both understanding and action to ensure that tragedies like that of Kulsuma Akter are not repeated.
