Chittagong Jubo Dal Leader, Jashore Businessman Killed

On Monday, 5 January, two separate violent incidents in Bangladesh shook both local communities and the political landscape. In Chittagong’s Rauzan Upazila and Jhenaidah’s Monirampur Upazila, a political leader and a businessman were brutally murdered, raising concerns over escalating violence and potential political tensions.

Monirampur Businessman Murdered

In Monirampur, Jashore, 43-year-old businessman Rana Pratap Beiragi was killed in a chilling attack at Kopalia Bazar. Beiragi was the owner of an ice factory and had recently been appointed as the operating editor of the Narayanganj-based daily, BD Khobor. He was also known for his regional leadership within the East Bengal Communist Party.

According to eyewitness accounts, Beiragi was at his factory in the late afternoon. After Maghrib prayers, three masked assailants arrived on a motorcycle and forcibly took him to the market area. One of the attackers fired multiple shots at his head before slitting his throat to ensure fatality. The perpetrators then fled the scene.

Officer-in-Charge (OC) Raziullah Khan of Monirampur Police confirmed that the motive remains unclear and that an investigation is underway.

Youth League Leader Shot in Rauzan

In Rauzan, Chittagong, 50-year-old Jene Alam Sikder, a prominent leader of the BNP-affiliated Jubo Dal, was shot dead around 8:00 pm in Sikdarpura village, Purbo Gujra Union. Sikder served as the co-coordinator of Rauzan Upazila’s Jubo Dal and was a close associate of BNP leader Gias Uddin Quader Chowdhury.

Local sources reported that Sikder was walking near his home when gunmen on a motorcycle opened fire. He was rushed to a local hospital by his aide, Mahiyuddin, but was pronounced dead on arrival. OC Sajedul Islam confirmed that police are at the scene and a formal investigation has begun. Gias Quader Chowdhury alleged that Sikder’s murder was politically motivated, noting that of the 18 killings in Rauzan since 5 August, 11 have involved his supporters.

Summary of the Incidents

Authorities in both regions have launched prompt investigations, but the murders have heightened fear and anxiety among local populations. Political figures and residents have expressed deep concern, fearing that these killings may further destabilise the already tense political and social environment in both districts.