Awami League Leader Shot in Kushtia Attack

An Awami League leader has been seriously injured after being shot by unidentified assailants in Mirpur upazila of Kushtia district, in a late afternoon attack that has prompted a police investigation into the motive and perpetrators behind the incident.

The injured man, identified as Shafikul Islam Azam (52), is the General Secretary of the Amala Union unit of the Awami League. He is the son of the late Abul Mondal from the same area. The shooting took place at around 7:00 pm on Sunday (29 March) in the Sadorpur Bazar area of Mirpur.

He was rushed in critical condition to Kushtia General Hospital shortly after the incident.

Incident in a Busy Market Area

According to local residents and law enforcement officials, Shafikul Islam was sitting inside a tobacco warehouse in Sadorpur Bazar when the attack occurred. Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots, after which panic spread through the area.

People nearby rushed to the scene and found the Awami League leader lying on the ground with severe gunshot injuries. He was immediately rescued and transported to Kushtia General Hospital for emergency treatment.

Police later confirmed that he remains in a critical condition.

Police Recovery of Ammunition and Motorcycle

Mirpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Shahidul Islam confirmed the incident and said that law enforcement teams quickly arrived at the scene following reports of gunfire.

During the initial inspection, police recovered three spent bullet casings and a magazine from the location. Authorities also seized an abandoned motorcycle from the area, which they suspect may have been used by the attackers before being left behind at the scene.

Investigators are currently examining whether the vehicle was directly involved in the attack and are attempting to trace its ownership and movement.

Preliminary Findings

Early assessments suggest that the assailants fled the scene immediately after the shooting. However, the exact motive behind the attack remains unclear. Police have not yet confirmed whether the incident was politically motivated, personally targeted, or linked to any local dispute.

A full investigation has been launched, with law enforcement officials collecting evidence and speaking to witnesses who were present in the market at the time of the shooting.

Security in the surrounding area has reportedly been increased as authorities work to prevent any further unrest or retaliatory incidents.

Incident Summary

Ongoing Investigation

Police have stated that identifying those responsible is now their top priority. Forensic teams are analysing the recovered items, while efforts are underway to gather CCTV footage from nearby shops and establish a clearer timeline of events.

Authorities have urged anyone with information about the attackers or the abandoned motorcycle to come forward as the investigation continues.

The incident has raised concern in the local area, particularly given its occurrence in a busy marketplace during evening hours, when the area is typically active with traders and customers.