Man admits Killing Wife as she Pushed Pram in Bradford

A man who fatally stabbed his wife as she pushed their baby in a pram through Bradford has pleaded guilty to her manslaughter.

Kulsuma Akter was attacked in broad daylight on April 6, 2024, in the city centre. She died in hospital after being stabbed multiple times near the junction of Westgate and Drewton Road.

Her husband, Habibur Masum, admitted to her manslaughter and possession of a bladed article. He denied her murder and is set to stand trial on June 9 at Bradford Crown Court.

Masum, from Leamington Avenue in Burnley, also denied two charges of assault, one count of making threats to kill, and one of stalking. The stalking charge covers the period from November 2023 to April 2024.

Prosecutors allege Masum tracked Ms Akter’s movements and located her at a safe house.

He allegedly sent her threatening messages, including pictures and videos of her residence, and loitered near her temporary home.

The charge states he caused her “alarm or distress” and made her “fear that violence would be used against her”.

The stabbing took place shortly after 3:20 pm, according to police. Officers said the baby was unharmed during the incident.

In the days after the attack, it was revealed that Masum was a wannabe influencer, posting vlogs on his YouTube channel.

Days before stabbing his wife, Masum shared a post about “losing his bride“.

He had posted a clip of the Bollywood film Laapataa Ladies on his Facebook account.

In the clip, a character says:

“He was returning home with his wife last night and lost her on the way.”

Masum captioned the clip with four “crying with laughter” emojis.

Masum appeared in court wearing a blue T-shirt and grey fleece jacket. He was remanded in custody by Mr Justice Cotter.

He was arrested in Aylesbury after a three-day manhunt by West Yorkshire Police.

Speaking from Bangladesh in 2024, Ms Akter’s mother, Monwara Begum, said:

“I am in shock. She was my youngest daughter and I adored her greatly.

“When she moved to the United Kingdom, I was alone, but Kulsuma would call me every day by video. The only day I didn’t hear from her was the day she was attacked.”