Former Chhatra Dal Leader Arrested in Gazipur for Stabbing Female Businesswoman to Death

GAZIPUR — A 40-year-old female entrepreneur, Rani Begum, was fatally stabbed in Gazipur’s Gacha area on Saturday following a financial dispute over outstanding debts. Police have since arrested the prime suspect, Ashik Islam, also known as Swapan, 27, a former leader of the city’s Student League.

Rani Begum, originally from Maijbagh village in Ishwarganj, Mymensingh, was married to Mohammad Hiron. She had been residing in West Kalmeshwor, Gazipur, and ran a clothing store named “Rani Fashion Gallery” at Dulal Market.

Ashik Islam, the son of local grocery shop owner Nazrul Islam, is a former general secretary of the Student League’s Ward 35 branch in Gacha Thana, Gazipur. Police and local sources revealed that Rani Begum, in addition to her clothing business, had long been involved in lending money at interest within the community.

The dispute reportedly arose over unpaid debts owed by Nazrul Islam and his son Ashik. On Saturday morning at around 8:00 a.m., Rani Begum reportedly verbally abused Nazrul during an argument. Enraged by this confrontation, Ashik allegedly attacked her with a sharp knife, inflicting multiple stab wounds.

When Rani Begum’s son, Hridoy Mia, and a family friend, Osman Hossain, attempted to intervene, they were also attacked with the knife. Ashik then fled the scene. Rani Begum was rushed to Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College Hospital in critical condition, where she later succumbed to her injuries in the afternoon.

Following the attack, her son Hridoy filed a police complaint the same evening. A police operation in the early hours of Sunday led to Ashik’s arrest in Valuka, Mymensingh. He has been remanded to custody through the courts.

Gazipur Metropolitan Student League President, Rohanuzzaman Shukkur, stated that while Ashik is no longer active in the organisation, if found guilty, he should receive exemplary punishment.

OC of Gacha Thana, Moniruzzaman, confirmed the arrest and assured that the investigation is ongoing.

Key Details of the Incident

The incident has shocked the Gazipur community, raising concerns over rising local disputes turning violent. Police have urged residents to report any ongoing financial or personal conflicts before they escalate into tragedies.