A 13-year-old residential madrasah student in Noakhali’s Sonaimuri upazila was brutally killed in his sleep by a fellow student early Monday, reportedly over a previous quarrel about wearing a prayer cap.
The incident took place around 2:30am inside a dormitory at Al Madrasatul Islamia Makhfunul Ulum in Ward 6 of Sonaimuri municipality, police confirmed.
The victim was identified as Nazim Uddin, son of Obayed Ullah from Jahannabad village in Chashirhat union. The accused, 16-year-old Abu Sayeed, is from Tengapara village in Mymensingh.
Police and locals said both boys were memorising the Holy Quran at the madrasah. They had reportedly completed 22 and 23 parts respectively. About 10–15 days ago, the pair quarrelled over a prayer cap, but teachers intervened and settled the matter.
However, Sayeed allegedly remained aggrieved and bought a knife from Sonaimuri bazaar for Tk300 with the intention of attacking Nazim.
On Sunday night, 14 students and a teacher were asleep in the same dormitory. At around 2:30am, Sayeed allegedly woke up, approached Nazim and slit his throat while he was sleeping.
Hearing Nazim’s groaning, the teacher and other students woke up to find him severely injured and Sayeed attempting to flee.
Sonaimuri Police Station officer-in-charge Mohammad Khorshed Alam said police reached the spot soon after being informed and took Sayeed into custody. The murder weapon was also recovered.
“The killing occurred as a result of their previous dispute over wearing a cap,” he told TIMES. “The body will be sent to Noakhali General Hospital morgue for autopsy after necessary formalities.”
Police said a case is being prepared and further legal action will follow. Authorities have stepped up security at the madrasah as panic has spread among students and guardians.
