Gunfire Erupts at Central Shaheed Minar

In a shocking act of violence, gunfire and assaults with sharp weapons erupted at the Central Shaheed Minar area on Sunday night, leaving a young man critically injured. The victim, identified as Rakibul Islam, 27, was rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) for urgent treatment following the attack.

Incident Details

The incident occurred at approximately 9:15 pm on 15 March. According to witnesses, a group of unidentified assailants suddenly opened fire at the central monument, reportedly discharging four rounds in public. In addition to being shot, Rakibul sustained multiple injuries from bladed weapons.

Eyewitnesses at the scene reported that Rakibul and several friends had been gathered near the Shaheed Minar, socialising at a nearby tea stall when the attack occurred. One friend, GM Ishan, recounted that he and others rushed to the victim after hearing the gunshots and found Rakibul lying in a pool of blood. He was immediately taken to DMCH for medical care.

Another friend, Roni, provided further details, explaining that Rakibul had been called aside by a young man shortly before the gunfire erupted. When they approached, they found Rakibul seriously wounded, with bullet injuries to his head and multiple cuts from sharp objects across his body. Members of the public at the scene intervened and detained one suspect, who was later handed over to Shahbagh Police Station. The identity of the arrested individual has not yet been officially released.

Victim Profile

Rakibul Islam is a second-year undergraduate student at Sheikh Borhan Uddin College and also works as a video content creator. He resides in Nimtoli, Old Dhaka, and is the son of Tarikul Islam Khokon. Authorities have described his condition as serious, with bullet wounds to the head and multiple lacerations to other parts of his body.

Police Response

Sub-Inspector Md. Mithu Fakir of Shahbagh Police Station confirmed the attack, stating that investigations are ongoing. The officer verified that Rakibul had been assaulted with firearms and sharp weapons, and that one suspect had been apprehended by locals and is currently in police custody. Police are examining the motives behind the attack and reviewing eyewitness accounts to identify other individuals involved.

Key Information

Authorities have urged anyone with additional information about the incident to come forward. Meanwhile, Rakibul remains under medical care at DMCH, with doctors closely monitoring his condition. The case has raised concerns over public safety in central Dhaka, particularly around prominent landmarks like the Shaheed Minar, which often sees gatherings of students and young people.