Farmer Killed in Masked Gunmen Attack in Kushtia

A farmer was shot dead by masked gunmen in Kushtia’s Vhedamara upazila on Friday evening, leaving one other person injured in the violent attack. The incident occurred at around 8:00 pm in the Rayta Pathorghat area, according to local police.

The deceased, 50-year-old Refazul Islam, was a resident of Rayta Pathorghat and earned his living primarily through farming, occasionally supplementing his income by fishing in nearby rivers. Another individual, 45-year-old Lalon Mondal, sustained serious injuries from a sharp weapon during the attack and has been admitted to Vhedamara Upazila Health Complex.

Police and local sources reported that Refazul and Lalon were walking along a road in the Bahadurpur Union area when three armed men approached them. Two of the assailants were carrying pistols, while the third wielded a shotgun. The gunmen fired at close range, hitting Refazul in the chest. He was pronounced dead at the scene, while Lalon suffered multiple knife wounds. The attack caused panic in the surrounding area before the perpetrators fled.

On receiving the report, officers from Vhedamara Police Station recovered Refazul’s body and rushed the injured man to hospital. Additional Police Superintendent Md. Delwar Hossain confirmed that all three attackers wore masks and black gloves and that a full investigation is underway. He added that the motive behind the attack remains unclear, and the police, including the Detective Branch, are actively pursuing leads to apprehend those responsible.

The incident has sparked fear among local residents, highlighting the need for increased security measures in rural areas. Authorities have urged witnesses to come forward to assist the investigation, stressing that such violent acts cannot be tolerated in the community.