BNP leader shot dead in Khulna

A local BNP leader was shot dead by an unidentified man riding a motorcycle in broad daylight in Khulna on Friday.

The deceased has was identified as Rafiqul Islam. He was a member of the convening committee of Batiaghata upazila BNP and a former joint assistant secretary of the Fatullah Thana Jubo Dal.
The incident took place around 12:30pm at Kazipara Bazar in the Mathabhanga area under Labanchara Police Station.

Confirming the matter, Khulna Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner (South) Rezaur Rahman said the attacker fled immediately after the shooting.

“A man wearing helmet arrived on a motorcycle and fired at the victim from close range before fleeing. We are investigating the motive behind the murder and working to identify and arrest those involved,” he said.

According to police and local sources, Rafiqul was sitting at the market when the unidentified individual wearing a helmet arrived on a motorcycle and opened fire at close range before fleeing the scene. A bullet struck Rafiqul in the abdomen, causing him to collapse.

Locals whisked off him to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead. His body has been sent to the morgue of Khulna Medical College Hospital for an autopsy.

Police said Rafiqul was involved in the stone trading business and spent most of his time in Dhaka. His home was in Jalma union of Batiaghata upazila.

According to police data, at least 17 murders have been reported in Khulna city between January and June this year.