A businessman was hacked to death and at least eight others injured when a group of rival assailants attacked them over an attempt to seize a market under construction in Shreenagar, Munshiganj.
The incident sparked protests and a road blockade in the area.
The deceased, Md Almgir Hossain, 45, was attacked in the early hours of Tuesday around 5:30am at Balashur crossroads while preventing a gang led by Hannan Hazi from taking over the site of an eight-storey building under construction.
The attackers used sharp weapons during the assault. Several others were also injured in the attack.
Almgir and his brother Tamijuddin had jointly started constructing the market in Balashur Bazar. According to local sources and family members, the rival group had previously tried to claim ownership of the land through the courts but failed. They subsequently resorted to using hired thugs to take over the site.
Almgir was first taken to Sreenagar Upazila Health Complex but the attackers struck him again at the hospital gate, leaving him critically wounded.
He was then transferred to Sir Salimullah Medical College Mitford Hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead around 9am. Several injured victims have been sent to Dhaka for treatment.
News of the killing quickly spread, prompting locals and family members to block the Dhaka–Shreenagar–Doha road.
They set fires and staged protests at Balashur point around 9:30am, demanding justice. The joint forces were deployed to bring the situation under control.
Sreenagar Police Station Officer-in-Charge, Md Jewel Mia, said the killing is believed to be linked to a land dispute.
No formal complaint has yet been filed. Police have launched an investigation and efforts are underway to apprehend the suspects.
