Rafiqul Islam, a 35-year-old BNP leader, was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Kazipara market, Mathabhanga area under Lalbandh police station in Khulna on Friday around 12:30 PM. The assailants, who arrived on a motorcycle wearing helmets, fled the scene immediately after the attack. Local people took him to a hospital where he was declared dead. His body was kept in the morgue of Khulna Medical College. Khulna Metropolitan Police's Additional Deputy Commissioner (South Division) Rezaur Rahman confirmed the incident and stated that the victim was involved in stone business. The police are conducting raids to identify and arrest the perpetrators.
Rafiqul Islam, also known as 'Dhakaiya Rafiq,' was a member of the Batiaghata Upazila BNP's convening committee and the former assistant general secretary of the Fatulla Thana Volunteer Corps. He was a resident of Jolma Union in Batiaghata Upazila. Social media profiles show his association with several central BNP leaders and MPs.
Khulna is currently under a special joint operation to curb terrorism, extortion, and drug trade. This high-profile killing has caused public concern. According to police data, 17 murder cases have been reported in Khulna city from January to June this year. Out of 34 murder cases since the mass uprising, various terrorist groups have been found involved.
