**Tragic Murder Case in Bradford: A Life Sentence for Habibur Masum**
The harrowing tale of a domestic violence incident culminated in a life imprisonment for Habibur Masum, who was convicted of murdering his wife, Kulsuma Akter, in front of their infant son. The incident took place in the heart of Bradford on April 6, 2024, where Masum, 27, confronted his wife as she pushed their seven-month-old baby in a pram. Brought to justice at Bradford Crown Court, Masum now faces a minimum of 28 years behind bars for this brutal crime that shocked the local community.
Kulsuma Akter, aged 27, was staying at a refuge when the tragedy unfolded. Details revealed that Masum, having previously intimidated her with threats of violence—including once holding a knife to her throat—tracked her down in the city center. Witnesses reported seeing him lurking in the vicinity just days before the fatal encounter. During the trial, it was established that on that fateful day, he stabbed her a shocking 26 times, deliberately aiming for her neck and ultimately severing her throat.
Mr. Justice Cotter, presiding over the case, condemned Masum’s actions as “viciously and mercilessly” executed in plain sight of passersby. He alleged that Masum’s intention was unequivocal—his brutal assault left Akter with no chance of survival. The court heard from various witnesses, painting a vivid picture of the chilling attack that occurred. CCTV footage captured Masum leaving the scene with what appeared to be a cavalier demeanor, undermining the gravity of his actions as he calmly fled the area.
Amidst the courtroom proceedings, it was divulged that leading up to the violent incident, Masum had sent threatening messages to Akter’s family and made insidious attempts to lure her back by impersonating a local GP. Nevertheless, on the day of the attack, Akter believed she was meeting a friend, unaware that her estranged husband had been tracking her movements through her phone. The time leading up to the stabbing was fraught with tension as Masum’s fixation on her intensified, revealing a troubling pattern of stalking and manipulation.
During sentencing, the prosecution laid out additional details, including Masum’s immigration status. A Bangladeshi national, he had been residing in the UK on a graduate visa that expired shortly before the murder, allowing the Home Office to consider his potential deportation after serving a portion of his sentence. This facet of the case adds layers of complexity to the narrative surrounding domestic violence and accountability for non-citizens committing such heinous acts.
Family members of Kulsuma expressed their unspeakable grief in the court, illustrating the emotional turmoil inflicted upon them. Minara Begum, Kulsuma’s sister-in-law, delivered a poignant statement reflecting the irreplaceable loss felt by their family. The impact of such a violent act resonates beyond the immediate victim, affecting the familial structure and community dynamics.
The case of Habibur Masum stands as a somber reminder of the pervasive issue of domestic violence, illuminating the desperate need for effective preventative measures and social support for victims seeking refuge. As the legal proceedings come to a conclusion, the focus shifts to the societal implications of such acts and the ongoing mission for justice, safety, and healing for those left behind.
This tragedy emphasizes that behind every headline lies a story of love turned to violence, raising critical questions about the resources available to those trapped in cycles of abuse. The community of Bradford mourns the loss of Kulsuma Akter, a victim whose life was cut short, urging a collective reflection on the mechanisms in place to protect those who may find themselves in similar perilous situations.
