Businessman killed in Jashore over shop rent dispute

A businessman was hacked to death in Abhaynagar upazila of Jashore district following a dispute over shop rent, triggering tension in the area.

The victim, identified as Anisur Rahman, 55, son of the late Abdul Majid from Kalaroa upazila in Satkhira, was attacked in front of Anis Plaza in the Nowapara area on Wednesday evening (6 May).

According to local sources, Anisur Rahman had been running business activities in Nowapara for a long time. A dispute reportedly arose when Shah Mahmud, son of Shah Junayed of the Pir Bari area, expressed interest in renting a shop at Anis Plaza.

The victim allegedly refused to rent the property to him, which led to a growing dispute between the two parties over several days.

On the day of the incident, the altercation escalated again in the evening. Witnesses said Shah Mahmud attacked Anisur Rahman with a Chinese cleaver, striking him repeatedly on the head and face.

Critically injured, he was rushed to Abhaynagar Upazila Health Complex and later referred to Khulna Medical College Hospital. As his condition worsened, doctors advised shifting him to Dhaka.

He died around 2:30am while being taken to Dhaka by ambulance.

Following the incident, panic spread in the locality, and local traders expressed anger over the killing.

Law enforcement officials visited the scene and have launched an investigation. Police said efforts are underway to identify and arrest those involved, and a case is being processed.