A BNP leader was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in broad daylight on Friday in Khulna, despite an ongoing joint forces operation aimed at curbing a recent surge in criminal activity and terrorism in the city.
The victim, identified as Rafiq Gazi, also known as Dhakaia Rafiq, was attacked at approximately 12:30pm in the Mathabhanga Kazi Para area under Labanchara Police Station. Rafiq was a member of the Jalma Union BNP convening committee in Batiaghata Upazila and a former member of the Ward 31 BNP.
According to police and local sources, Rafiq was sitting in a shop roughly one kilometre from his home when a youth wearing a helmet arrived on a motorcycle and fired several shots at him. One bullet struck him in the stomach, causing him to collapse.
His family members subsequently rushed him to Khulna Medical College Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Asabur Rahman, member secretary of Jalma Union BNP, described Rafiq as a “dedicated worker” who was always at the forefront of political movements and struggles. It was also reported that the victim spent most of his time in Dhaka and visited the local area only occasionally.
Syed Mosharaf Hossain, officer-in-charge (OC) of Labanchara Police Station, stated that police rushed to the scene upon receiving the news but found all nearby shops closed. He noted that no one in the vicinity was willing to provide information regarding the killing.
“Police have been deployed in the area, and efforts are underway to identify and arrest those involved,” the OC added.
The assassination has heightened concerns regarding the deteriorating law and order situation in Khulna following the 2024 mass uprising.
Data from the Khulna Metropolitan Police (KMP) crime branch indicates that 89 murders occurred across various city police stations in the 22-month period between August 2024 and last May.
Between January and June of this year alone, 17 murders have been recorded in the metropolis.
A significant portion of these homicides have been carried out in broad daylight. Authorities have identified nine terrorist groups operating within the Khulna metropolitan area and district, some of which reportedly use Facebook for propaganda.
While a special week-long operation is currently underway to apprehend terrorists, extortionists, and drug dealers, no top-listed terrorists have been caught so far.
Md Abdur Razzaq, assistant commissioner (media) of KMP, confirmed that 527 individuals were arrested between 1 and 10 June.
