Azizur Rahman Musabbir, a leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) volunteer wing Swechhasebak Dal, was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Dhaka on Wednesday night, while another man was injured in the same attack, police said.
The shooting took place around 8.30 pm near the Super Star Hotel in the Karwan Bazar area of the Bangladeshi capital. According to local media reports, Musabbir was rushed to a nearby hospital but was declared brought dead on arrival.
Attack near Karwan Bazar
Bangladesh’s leading daily The Daily Star reported that Musabbir was shot near the hotel shortly after attending an event. Fazlul Karim, additional deputy commissioner of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Tejgaon Zone, confirmed that Musabbir succumbed to his injuries at BRB Hospital in Panthapath.
There has been some variation in reports regarding Musabbir’s designation. While The Daily Star identified him as a former leader of the organisation, Dhaka Tribune reported that he was the member secretary of Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Swechhasebak Dal. He also reportedly served as general secretary of Dhaka City North Swechhasebak Dal.
Another man injured
The injured person was identified as Sufian Byapari Masud, general secretary of the Tejgaon Thana Van Workers’ Union. Police said Masud was walking nearby after attending the same event when two men opened fire.
Inspector Md Faruq, in charge of the police camp at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, said Masud sustained a gunshot wound to the left side of his abdomen and is undergoing treatment in the emergency ward.
The attackers fled the scene on foot, police added.
Protests after killing
Following the incident, BNP supporters and local party workers staged protests near the Sonargaon intersection, demanding the arrest of those responsible for the killing. Police presence was increased in parts of Karwan Bazar to prevent further unrest.
Who was Musabbir?
Musabbir hailed from Shariatpur district and was a BNP-backed candidate for councillor from Ward 26 of Tejgaon during the 2020 city corporation elections. His family resides in West Karwan Bazar.
Family members told local media that Musabbir, the eldest of three siblings, had spent significant time in jail during the Awami League regime and had been arrested multiple times in connection with political cases.
Investigation underway
Police said an investigation has been launched to identify the attackers and determine the motive behind the shooting. The incident comes weeks after another politically linked shooting in Dhaka, adding to concerns over targeted violence in the capital.