Shopkeeper shot after attackers block autorickshaw in Chakaria

A 42-year-old grocery shopkeeper, Identified as Md. Ramiz Uddin, was shot in broad daylight today after attackers intercepted the battery-operated autorickshaw he was traveling in. The incident occurred around 12pm in the Palakata area under Chiringa Union of Chakaria Upazila, Cox's Bazar on Friday.

Ramiz Uddin, a resident of Palakata who operates a grocery store near his house, was returning home from the Chiringa Union Machghat Station when the targeted attack took place. According to family members and local witnesses, two young men blocked the path of the autorickshaw just as it neared his residence, drew a firearm, and shot him at close range. Ramiz collapsed onto the road immediately, and the assailants fled the scene.

Local residents rushed to his aid and transported him to the Chakaria Upazila Health Complex. Due to the severity of his injuries, medical staff transferred him to Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH) for advanced care. Dr. Mohammad Jaynul Abedin, the Chakaria Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer, confirmed that the victim sustained a critical gunshot wound to the right side of his chest.

Following the shooting, a video of a wounded Ramiz went viral on social media, in which he accused several individuals by name. While authorities have not independently verified the claims made in the video, law enforcement officials noted that the suspects named by the victim have already fled the area and switched off their mobile phones.

Arifur Rahman, the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Chakaria Police Station, stated that a preliminary investigation suggests the shooting stems from a pre-existing dispute. Police teams have launched multiple drives to identify and apprehend the suspects, though a formal case has yet to be filed by the victim's family.