A man from Burnley has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 28 years for murdering his estranged wife in front of their baby in a pram, during a broad daylight attack in Bradford city centre.
Habibur Rahman Masum, 26, of Burnley, Lancashire, was sentenced on Tuesday 22 July 2025 at Bradford Crown Court after being found guilty of murder, assault, making threats to kill, and stalking.
Masum had previously pleaded guilty to manslaughter and possession of a bladed article on 5 June 2025, but the Crown Prosecution Service did not accept the lesser plea and pursued a full trial for murder and the additional charges.
The court heard that on 6 April 2024, 27-year-old Kulsuma Akter was out shopping in Bradford with her baby in a pram and a friend when she was confronted by Masum. Kulsuma had been living in a refuge in the city, having fled the marital home due to a pattern of domestic abuse.
Despite being under protection, Masum had tracked her down and sent menacing messages, including threats to kill and photos and videos of the area where she was staying.
After she refused to reconcile their marriage, Masum launched a brutal attack, stabbing her multiple times. Kulsuma later died from her injuries in hospital.
Marie Walsh of the Crown Prosecution Service said:
“Habibur Masum is a violent and dangerous man who subjected his estranged wife to a sustained pattern of abuse, forcing her to seek safety in a refuge in Bradford.
“Unable to accept the end of the relationship, he tracked her down and murdered her in a shocking and callous attack in public, and in front of their child.
“We hope this conviction brings a measure of comfort and justice to Kulsuma’s family and loved ones.”
West Yorkshire Police and the CPS have praised the bravery of those who supported the investigation and have reaffirmed their commitment to tackling violence against women and girls.
