Masked Gunmen Execute BNP Youth Wing Official

The political landscape of Raozan in Chattogram has been plunged into fresh turmoil following the ruthless assassination of a prominent local leader on Monday evening. Muhammad Jane Alam Sikdar, 48, a dedicated member of the Raozan Upazila Jubo Dal, was targeted and killed by a group of masked gunmen in the village of Sikdar Para. This brazen attack, which occurred a mere 500 metres from the East Gujra police investigation centre, has sent a wave of apprehension through the community and highlighted the escalating volatility of partisan politics in the region.

According to detailed accounts provided by local residents and witnesses, the ambush took place at approximately 8:30 PM. Mr Sikdar was reportedly making his way home after visiting the Alimiahart market when the tragedy unfolded. As he reached a point roughly 200 metres from his residence, three masked individuals riding a single motorcycle intercepted him. Without hesitation, the assailants opened fire, striking the Jubo Dal leader in the chest and several other parts of his body. The sound of the gunfire echoed through the quiet village streets, prompting neighbours to rush to the scene. By the time they arrived, the perpetrators had already accelerated away into the darkness, leaving Mr Sikdar critically wounded on the ground.

The victim was initially transported to the local Upazila Health Complex in a desperate bid to save his life. However, due to the severity of his gunshot wounds, he was quickly transferred to a private medical facility in Chattogram city. Despite the best efforts of the emergency medical team, he was pronounced dead upon arrival. Mr Sikdar was a well-known political figure, formerly serving as the General Secretary of the East Gujra Union Jubo Dal. He was widely recognised as a loyal supporter of the BNP Vice Chairman Giasuddin Quader Chowdhury, who is a significant candidate for the Chattogram-6 constituency.

The official response from the East Gujra police investigation centre indicated that officers arrived at the scene shortly after the shooting. Inspector Diptesh Dash confirmed that law enforcement is currently working to identify the masked attackers and bring them to justice. This latest killing adds to a staggering tally of violence in the district; since the political transition in August 2024, Raozan has witnessed 17 homicides. Statistics reveal that twelve of these deaths were politically motivated, with ten resulting from internal factionalism within the BNP itself.

Analysis of Political Violence in Raozan (Post-August 2024)