Jubo Dal leader shot dead in broad daylight in Chattogram

Photo: Collected

A local leader of the Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal was shot dead in broad daylight in Chattogram's Raozan upazila on Saturday, triggering protests and renewed concerns over political violence in the area.

The victim, Masud Ul Haque Chowdhury, was killed around 1:30 pm at Chowmuhani Bazar in the Pahartali Union when a group of assailants arrived on motorcycles and opened fire before fleeing the scene, according to police and local BNP leaders.

Masud, a resident of Betagi Union in neighbouring Rangunia Upazila, was actively involved in Jubo Dal politics and served as the senior joint convener of the organisation's Rangunia Upazila unit. His elder brother, Swapan Chowdhury, is a former chairman of Betagi Union Parishad.

The killing sparked outrage in the area, with angry residents and party activists staging demonstrations and demanding justice. Protesters also blocked a section of the Chattogram-Kaptai highway in Pahartali, disrupting traffic and chanting slogans against the attack.

Pahartali Union BNP President Nurul Alam alleged that the attackers fired multiple rounds at Masud before escaping. He demanded the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of those responsible for the killing.

Assistant Superintendent of Police (Raozan-Rangunia Circle) Belayet Hossain confirmed the incident, saying that unidentified assailants shot Masud dead and fled the scene. The body was being sent for an autopsy, while efforts were underway to identify and apprehend those involved.

According to the Chattogram Metropolitan Police Commissioner, 24 killings have been reported in Raozan since the political transition on August 5, 2024. Most of the victims were leaders and activists affiliated with the BNP and its associate bodies.

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