In the quiet lanes of Old Dhaka, whispers of love and jealousy turned into a story of betrayal and blood. 

What began as a long relationship between two young people, Barsha and Mahir, ended in tragedy — the brutal murder of a university student, Jubayed Hossain, whose only mistake may have been falling into the tangled emotions of others.

It all started weeks before the killing. Police say Barsha, a young woman who had been in a relationship with Mahir for nine years, began to drift away. 

Somewhere along the way, she grew close to Jubayed, a Jagannath University student and Chhatra Dal leader known among friends for his calm nature and leadership within the Comilla District Students’ Welfare Council.

But affection soon gave way to confusion and conflict. When Barsha told Mahir she liked Jubayed, their long relationship began to fracture. 

Then, as police describe, she changed her mind again — telling Mahir that she no longer liked Jubayed. What followed was a dark and deliberate turn.

According to Rafiqul Islam, the Officer-in-Charge of Bangshal Police Station, the pair began plotting Jubayed’s death as early as 25 September. 

Initially, Barsha denied any involvement in the plan. But when she was confronted with Mahir during interrogation, she admitted everything,” he said.

By 26 September, the plan was in motion. Mahir and two of his friends bought two new switchgear knives, preparing for what they intended to be a swift and final act. Acting under Barsha’s direction, Mahir attacked Jubayed in broad daylight, stabbing him repeatedly until he collapsed.

The fatal encounter took place on a Sunday afternoon. Jubayed was on his way to Barsha’s home for a private tuition session when he met Mahir. 

Witnesses later told police the two exchanged harsh words — the last conversation Jubayed would ever have. Moments later, he was lying on the street, bleeding to death.

For the students of Jagannath University, the news came as a shock. Jubayed, from the 2019–20-academic session in the Department of Statistics, was known for his dedication and gentle manner. His friends still struggle to believe that a story of young love could lead to his death.

The next day, the campus fell silent as thousands gathered for his first janaza. There were tears, prayers, and clenched fists demanding justice. Later, his body was taken to Comilla, where his family buried him beside his ancestors.

Police have since detained four people, including Barsha, and are finalising the charge sheet. But for many, no legal outcome can erase the haunting question — how a nine-year relationship and a fleeting affection could spiral into a premeditated murder.

In the narrow alleys of Dhaka, where laughter and heartbreak often live side by side, the story of Barsha, Mahir, and Jubayed is a grim reminder of how love, when twisted by obsession and revenge, can destroy more than hearts — it can take a life.