A former Sramik Dal leader was shot and fatally attacked by assailants at Dakbangla intersection in Khulna city on Wednesday night.
Police have arrested one suspect while efforts continue to apprehend the others.
The deceased, Masum Billah, 55, served as president of Rupsha Upazila Sramik Dal and also led the Rupsha–Bagerhat inter-district road transport workers’ union.
According to police and eyewitnesses, Masum Billah was standing at the intersection when a group of six to seven attackers opened fire.
They also attacked him with sharp weapons, leaving him critically injured before fleeing the scene.
As the attackers fled, locals and on-duty traffic police managed to intercept and detain one suspect, identified as Ashok Ghosh.
Masum was rushed to Khulna Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
Locals rushed him to Khulna Medical College Hospital, where doctors on duty declared him dead.
Khulna Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner (South) Tajul Islam described the incident as a premeditated contract killing.
“They came with a plan to kill Masum Billah. After shooting and stabbing him, they fled,” he said.
A traffic inspector spotted one suspect, identified as Ashok Ghosh, carrying a foreign-made pistol while trying to escape.
Police, with the help of local residents, detained him at the scene and recovered the pistol along with bullets.
Police confirmed that investigations are ongoing and efforts are underway to arrest the remaining attackers.
