A prominent leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party's (BNP) volunteer organisation was fatally shot in the capital Dhaka on Tuesday night, an incident that has triggered significant political unrest. The attack, which also left another man wounded, occurred in the busy Karwan Bazar area, leading to immediate protests by party supporters.
Details of the Karwan Bazar Shooting
The victim has been identified as Azizur Rahman Musabbir, a former general secretary of the Dhaka City North unit of the Swechchhasebak Dal, the BNP's volunteer wing. The shooting took place at approximately 8:40 pm on Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue, near the Star Hotel. According to police, unidentified assailants opened fire on Musabbir and another individual named Sufian Byapari Masud.
Fazlul Karim, the Additional Deputy Commissioner of the Tejgaon Zone within the Dhaka Metropolitan Police, confirmed the violent episode. Musabbir was quickly transported to the BRB Hospital in Panthapath, where attending doctors pronounced him dead. Meanwhile, Masud was admitted to the emergency department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where he is currently undergoing treatment.
Victims and Immediate Aftermath
Mohammad Javed, who assisted in bringing Masud to the hospital, provided further details about the injured man. Masud serves as the general secretary of the Tejgaon thana Van Workers’ Union and is a resident of Keraniganj. The motive behind the targeted attack remains unclear as police investigations continue.
The violent incident had an immediate and visible impact on the locality. Following the shooting, an estimated 200 BNP leaders and activists converged at the Karwan Bazar intersection. They staged a spontaneous demonstration to protest the killing, creating a tense atmosphere in the area, as reported by a correspondent present at the scene.
Political Context and Rising Tensions
This killing is set against a backdrop of ongoing political friction in Bangladesh. The Swechchhasebak Dal is a crucial grassroots organ of the main opposition BNP, and attacks on its members often exacerbate existing political strains. The brazen nature of the attack in a central Dhaka location highlights concerns over law and order.
The death of a former senior office-bearer is likely to have significant political repercussions. Such incidents frequently lead to accusations and counter-accusations between major political camps, potentially destabilising the local political environment further. The police are under pressure to swiftly identify and apprehend the perpetrators to prevent an escalation of violence.
