A man has been convicted of the brutal murder of his estranged wife, who was attacked in broad daylight while pushing her baby in a pram through Bradford city centre.
Kulsuma Akter, 27, was fatally stabbed on Westgate, Bradford on the afternoon of Saturday 6 April 2023. Emergency services were called at around 3.20pm to reports of a woman being stabbed in the street. Members of the public rushed to help Kulsuma, but despite their efforts and those of medical staff, she died in hospital from her injuries.
A post-mortem later confirmed she had suffered multiple stab wounds, including to her neck, inflicted with a kitchen knife.
The attack shocked the city for its brazen nature and devastating cruelty, as Kulsuma’s baby son remained in his pram during the assault.
An investigation by West Yorkshire Police’s Homicide and Major Enquiry Team quickly identified the suspect as Habibur Masum, 26, of Leamington Avenue, Burnley, Kulsuma’s estranged husband. CCTV captured Masum carrying out the fatal attack before walking away from the scene.
A nationwide manhunt was launched, and Masum was eventually traced to Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, 175 miles from Bradford. He was arrested by armed officers from Thames Valley Police in the early hours of Tuesday 9 April and brought back to West Yorkshire for questioning.
On Friday, a jury found Masum guilty of murder, as well as assault by beating, making threats to kill, and stalking.
He has been remanded in custody and will be sentenced on 22 July.
Detective Chief Inspector Stacey Atkinson, Senior Investigating Officer, said:
“Kulsuma suffered a brutal and senseless attack in broad daylight while her baby son was just inches away.
Masum not only took a young mother’s life, but he did so with chilling calmness, walking away from the scene as though nothing had happened.
This was a calculated, cowardly act, and while nothing can undo the pain caused, I hope today’s verdict offers some small sense of justice to Kulsuma’s grieving family.”
DCI Atkinson added: “We remain firmly committed to tackling violence against women and girls, particularly domestic abuse. We urge anyone experiencing abuse, or those who suspect it, to report it. Help is available, and you are not alone.”
