Trader Murdered in Chauddagram Attack

A 38-year-old betel leaf trader was brutally hacked to death by unidentified assailants in Chauddagram upazila of Cumilla, Bangladesh, in a late-night attack that has shocked the local community.

The victim, Md. Anwar Hossain Nayan, son of the late Abdul Hai from South Betiara village, operated a small betel shop at Gangra Rashar Matha. Police confirmed the incident on Wednesday afternoon.

According to local residents and family members, the attack took place at around 11:15 pm on Tuesday (5 May), when Nayan was returning home after closing his shop. He was reportedly ambushed by a group of armed attackers who had been lying in wait along his route.

The assailants struck him multiple times with sharp weapons, inflicting severe injuries across his body. His family alleges that approximately 100,000 Bangladeshi taka in cash, earned from his shop, was also stolen during the attack. Following his screams, nearby residents rushed to the scene, prompting the attackers to flee.

He was first taken to Chauddagram Upazila Health Complex, where he received emergency treatment. Due to the severity of his condition, he was later transferred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital that same night. Despite medical efforts, he died on Wednesday morning while undergoing treatment.

Nayan leaves behind two daughters and a son.

Timeline of Events

Family members have alleged that the murder may be linked to a land-related dispute. A relative claimed that a neighbouring individual had previously issued threats over alleged disagreements involving government land adjacent to the victim’s property. However, this claim has not been independently verified by authorities.

The victim’s nephew, Juel, stated that his uncle was attacked on his way home after closing the shop and was later moved to Dhaka in critical condition. His wife, Taslima Akter, said she had spoken to him earlier that morning regarding household expenses and described him as a hardworking breadwinner for the family.

Chauddagram Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Arif Hossain confirmed that the victim was attacked by unidentified assailants and later died at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. He added that police had been dispatched to the scene and efforts were underway to identify and arrest those responsible. He also noted that no formal complaint had yet been filed at the time of reporting, though initial information suggested a possible property-related dispute.

Authorities say the investigation is ongoing, and further details will be confirmed after gathering evidence and witness statements.