A man was killed on Thursday night in a second round of shootout stemming from a feud over territorial control in Brahmanbaria town.
The incident took place in Kandipara, where 32-year-old Saddam Hossain – a former member of the BNP’s student wing Jatiotabadi Chatra Dal, in Sadar upazila – was fatally shot.
Family members, relatives and locals said tension had been simmering since Wednesday evening, when members of the Lion Shakil group allegedly opened fire on three supporters of district Swechchhasebak Dal convener Delwar Hossain Dilip in Kandipara, injuring them.
According to the family, Dilip and his associates came to Saddam’s house around midnight and took him away. Shortly afterwards, they were informed that Saddam had been found critically injured on the road with gunshot wounds.
He was taken to Brahmanbaria General Hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.
The family alleges that the Dilip group killed Saddam in an attempt to frame their rivals.
Relatives broke down in tears upon hearing of his death. His parents, Khodeza Begum and Mostafa Kamal Mostu, demanded the arrest of the killers and exemplary punishment.
District Swechchhasebak Dal convener Delwar Hossain Dilip denied the allegation, saying, “I did not take Saddam anywhere. He was with me. Lion Shakil fired at us at night, and Saddam was hit and died.”
Brahmanbaria Sadar Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Azharul Islam said, “There has been a long-standing conflict between the two groups in Kandipara over dominance.
Initial investigation suggests that the killing is linked to that dispute. Police have begun inquiries.”
On Wednesday evening, members of the Lion Shakil group opened fire on the Dilip group on Madrasah Road in Kandipara over previous enmity, injuring three people. Saddam was known to be a supporter of Dilip.
