Summary:
- 15-year-old Mahi Akter died after being stabbed during Maghrib prayers in Dinajpur’s Kaharol upazila, following repeated harassment by the accused.
- The attacker, 18-year-old Arif Hossain, allegedly targeted Mahi after she rejected his romantic advances, entering her bedroom during prayers.
- Police arrested Arif within four hours; the initial attempted murder case will now be upgraded to murder charges post-Mahi’s death.
- The incident has reignited discussions about youth violence and safety for women in rural Bangladesh, with calls for stricter anti-harassment enforcement.
A 15-year-old schoolgirl died Friday morning after being stabbed while performing evening prayers at her home in Dinajpur’s Kaharol upazila. Mahi Akter succumbed to her injuries at Dinajpur Medical College Hospital nearly 36 hours after the attack, police confirmed.
The incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday as Mahi offered Maghrib namaz in her bedroom. Arif Hossain, 18, allegedly entered the room and stabbed her multiple times with a knife. Family members and investigators stated the accused had repeatedly harassed Mahi and attacked her after she rejected his romantic advances.
Mahi, daughter of Bogurapara resident Jewel Rana, was rushed to the hospital’s surgical ward but could not survive critical stab wounds. Her death was recorded at 3 a.m. on February 14, 2025.
Kaharol police arrested Arif—son of Abul Kalam from Bhattaga village—within four hours of the assault. Officer-in-Charge Ruhul Amin confirmed the suspect was produced before a local court on Thursday. “The initial case filed under attempted murder charges will now be converted to a murder case,” Amin told reporters Friday.
Authorities highlighted the rapid investigation and arrest but faced community criticism over perceived delays in addressing prior harassment complaints. The case has sparked renewed debates about youth violence and women’s safety in rural Bangladesh.
Mahi’s family prepares for her burial as legal proceedings advance. Police continue gathering evidence while advocates demand stricter enforcement of anti-harassment laws.
