Jubo Dal activist shot dead at brick kiln in Khulna

A Jubo Dal activist was shot dead by assailants at a brick kiln in Rupsa upazila of Khulna late Tuesday night (August 11).

The victim was identified as Fakhrul Sheikh, 32, son of Momin Uddin of Naihat village and younger brother of local Jubo Dal leader Farhad Hossain. Fakhrul was also a former student activist and involved in Jubo Dal politics.

The attack took place at Rupsa Bricks in Srirampur area around 12:55am, police said.

According to police and local sources, Fakhrul was near the kiln’s office when a group of armed attackers opened fire at him. He suffered gunshot wounds to his neck and head. His brothers rescued him and rushed him to Rupsa Upazila Health Complex, where doctors declared him dead.

According to relatives and police, Fakhrul regularly looked after the brick kiln and nearby fish enclosure jointly operated by his brother Farhad and another partner. Earlier on Tuesday, he had an argument with the kiln’s night guard, Tayeb.

Police are investigating whether the dispute was connected to the killing.

Farhad said he received a phone call shortly after midnight informing him that Fakhrul was being attacked and rushed to the scene, where he found his brother lying motionless beside the office.

Police sent the body to Khulna Medical College Hospital morgue for autopsy after preparing an inquest report Wednesday morning.

Abdur Razzak Mir, officer-in-charge (OC) of Rupsa Police Station, said, "Farhad filed a murder case, but no arrests had been made. Operations are underway to identify and apprehend those responsible."

"However, the motive for the killing remains unclear," he added.