Labour Party leader hacked to death in Patuakhali

A local leader of the Bangladesh Labour Party was allegedly hacked and beaten to death in a late-night attack in Patuakhali's Sadar Upazila, prompting a police investigation and a manhunt for those responsible.

The victim, Md Ripon Kazi, 35, president of the Labour Party's Gulisakhali Union unit in Amtali Upazila of Barguna, was attacked around 11:30pm on Tuesday (June 30) in the South Bazarghona area of Morichbunia Union, according to police and family members.

Ripon's cousin, Rajib Kazi, said the two were returning home on a motorcycle after visiting Gogon Kha Bazar when a group of eight to ten attackers intercepted them near Faruk Doctor's residence.

He alleged that the assailants, armed with sharp weapons and sticks, attacked Ripon under the leadership of several relatives, including Rasel Kazi, Rifat Kazi, Sohag Kazi and Rahat Kazi.

Rajib said he escaped by jumping into a nearby canal. When he returned, he found Ripon critically injured and rushed him to Patuakhali General Hospital with the help of locals. Doctors later declared him dead at around 2:00am while he was undergoing treatment.

Police from Patuakhali Sadar and Amtali visited the scene following the incident. They said the body has been sent to the morgue of Patuakhali Medical College Hospital for an autopsy.

The victim's mother, Amena Begum, alleged that the killing was premeditated and stemmed from a long-running family dispute. She demanded exemplary punishment for those involved.

Condemning the killing, Labour Party Amtali Upazila President Tarikul Islam Sohag called for a swift investigation and speedy justice.

Md Moniruzzaman, officer-in-charge (OC) of Patuakhali Sadar Police Station, said, "Investigators are working to determine the motive behind the attack, while operations are underway to identify and arrest those responsible."

Md Yakub Hossain, officer-in-charge (OC) of Amtali Police Station, said, "A team from Amtali Police is assisting Patuakhali Sadar Police in the investigation, as the victim was a resident of Amtali."