Suspect held over Northwestern University student’s death in Khulna

A man has been detained in connection with the death of Northwestern University student Azmul Hossain, who was allegedly beaten over a theft accusation before falling from the roof of a four-storey building in Khulna.

The suspect, Hasnat Habib Rifat, was detained by the Special Response Battalion (SRB) from a house in Swarupkathi, Pirojpur, on Monday night (September 21), investigators said.

Investigators said Rifat is a former student of the 16th batch of Khulna University’s FMRT department and recently joined Bangladesh Krishi Bank. He had been staying at the mess where Azmul lived and commuting to work from there.

Harintana Police Station OC Iqbal Hossain said Rifat was present when Azmul was assaulted and fled after the incident. Police believe questioning him could provide further information about the case.

Azmul was beaten on the night of September 18 after being accused of theft, according to investigators. He subsequently fell from the roof of the four-storey building and was taken to hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

Azmul’s father, Qutub Uddin, filed a murder case with Harintana Police Station, naming four people and accusing 25 unidentified others.

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding Azmul’s death.