Tragedy struck the Daulatpur area of Khulna on Saturday morning after a 35-year-old man was shot dead in broad daylight along the Khulna-Jessore Highway. The victim, identified as Jalil Munshi, son of Dilu Munshi, was a resident of the Kulibagan neighbourhood.

The incident took place at around 8:15 am directly in front of the Ispahani Jute Press Colony, situated near the local Awami League office. According to eyewitnesses and law enforcement officials, Mr Munshi was walking along the highway when three unidentified men on a motorcycle approached him. Without warning, the assailants opened fire at close range before speeding away from the scene.

Mr Munshi sustained severe gunshot wounds to the upper right side of his chest and the left side of his back. The force of the attack left him collapsed on the pavement in a pool of blood. Alarmed by the gunfire, local residents rushed to his aid and immediately arranged transport to Khulna Medical College Hospital. Tragically, he succumbed to his injuries en route and was pronounced dead upon arrival.

A plainclothes team from the Daulatpur Police Station, stationed nearby at the time of the shooting, initiated a immediate chase after spotting the fleeing suspects. Police identified two of the alleged attackers as Md Russel, 32, also known as ‘Picchi Russel’, son of the late Salam from the Madhyadanga area, and Asif Molla, 25, alongside an unidentified third accomplice.

While Asif Molla and the third suspect managed to escape on the motorcycle, officers pursued Russel, who was reportedly carrying a handgun. Local sources indicated that Russel fled into a nearby informal settlement to evade arrest. Records reveal that Russel had been detained by the Daulatpur police approximately a fortnight prior to the incident and sent to court, subsequently securing bail just days before the attack took place.

Investigating Officer A.F.M. Zahidul Islam of Daulatpur Police Station confirmed the fatality, noting that visible gunshot wounds were found on the victim’s chest and back. He added that an autopsy will determine the exact number of bullets fired. A comprehensive police operation is currently underway across the city to apprehend the perpetrators and recover the weapon used in the crime.