By Lucy Caulkett-
A 25-year-old man has appeared in court charged with the murder of Kulsuma Akter,(pictured) a 27-year-old mother who was brutally stabbed to death while pushing her baby in a pram in Bradford city centre.
The tragic attack occurred at the junction of Westgate and Drewton Road on Saturday afternoon, leaving residents stunned and authorities grappling with the devastating aftermath.
Habibur Masum, of Leamington Avenue, Burnley, stands accused of perpetrating the heinous crime, with the prosecution also charging him with possession of a bladed article.
The attack unfolded in broad daylight, casting a pall of fear and disbelief over the bustling streets of Bradford. Kulsuma Akter, a young mother going about her daily routine, became the victim of senseless violence, leaving behind a grieving family and a community in mourning.
Masum’s appearance at Bradford Magistrates’ Court on Thursday marked the beginning of legal proceedings against him. During the six-minute hearing, he was remanded in custody as the court grappled with the gravity of the charges levelled against him.
Masum was already on bail at the time of the murder, having been previously charged with threatening the same woman. This chilling revelation also raises questions about the adequacy of measures taken to protect victims of violence and prevent such tragic outcomes.
The failure to prevent Masum from allegedly committing such a heinous act despite prior interactions with the victim calls for the need for a thorough examination of existing safeguarding protocols.
In the wake of this senseless tragedy, the community has rallied together in support of the victim’s family, offering condolences and solidarity in their time of grief.
Candlelight vigils and memorial services have been organized as gestures of remembrance and tribute to Kulsuma Akter, whose life was cut short in a senseless act of violence.