Farmer Shot Dead in Kushtia; Two Others Injured in Armed Attack

A farmer has been shot dead and two other men wounded after unidentified assailants opened fire in Daulatpur upazila of Kushtia district. The incident occurred at around 6:30pm on Thursday in Pachabhita village under the Piarpur Union.

The deceased, Rafique Islam, aged 55, was a long-time resident of the same village. The two injured men were identified as Robjel Farazi, 52, and Yusuf Hossain, 55, who also live in Pachabhita. Both are currently undergoing treatment at Kushtia General Hospital.

According to information gathered from the police and local residents, Rafique had been sitting at a small roadside tea stall, enjoying tea and speaking briefly with other villagers shortly before the attack. At that moment, two motorcycles, each carrying armed riders, approached the shop. Witnesses reported that there were four to five men in total. Without any apparent warning, one of the attackers drew a pistol and fired directly at Rafique, striking him in the chest. He died on the spot.

Terrified customers and shopkeepers ran for cover, but a few young men attempted to chase the fleeing assailants. As they ran, the gunmen fired several indiscriminate shots in their direction. These stray bullets struck Robjel and Yusuf, who collapsed on the roadside. Residents rushed them to Kushtia General Hospital, where doctors confirmed both had sustained bullet injuries requiring urgent medical care.

Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime and Operations) Faisal Mahmud, speaking from the scene, confirmed that a bullet mark was clearly visible on Rafique’s chest and that he died from a single, fatal shot. “We have launched an operation to identify and apprehend the attackers. It is too early to confirm the exact motive behind the shooting,” he said.

Although the motive remains uncertain, preliminary inquiries suggest that a financial dispute may have played a role. Local sources pointed to possible disagreements regarding money, though the police stressed that the investigation remains at an early stage.

The authorities have cordoned off the area, collected evidence and taken statements from witnesses who were present at the tea stall. Officers are also inspecting nearby routes and reviewing whether the assailants used familiar escape paths that could lead to identifying them.

Police further stated that Rafique’s body will be taken to the morgue of Kushtia General Hospital for a post-mortem examination, which is expected to confirm the precise cause of death and assist investigators in building the case.

The shooting has shocked residents of Pachabhita village, where such violent attacks are rare. Neighbours described Rafique as a calm, hardworking farmer who had no known enmity with anyone in the community. Many villagers gathered near the tea stall later that evening, discussing the sudden and brutal killing and expressing fears about rising insecurity in rural areas.

Authorities have assured the public that an extensive search operation is underway and that those responsible will be brought to justice promptly. Patrols in the surrounding areas have also been increased to prevent further incidents and to reassure concerned villagers.