UP member hacked to death inside home in Cumilla

A union parishad member was hacked to death and his wife was seriously injured after a group of assailants broke into his home in Muradnagar of Cumilla, early Sunday (September 13).

The victim, Anwar Hossain, 45, a member of Ward 2 of Srikail Union Parishad, was attacked at his home in Uttar Pennai Dakshinpara around 2am, police and local sources said.

According to his family, Anwar was sleeping with his wife and young child when the attackers broke down the door and entered the house. They repeatedly struck him with sharp weapons. His wife was also attacked when she tried to save him.

Family members and neighbours rushed the couple to a hospital, where Anwar died while undergoing treatment. His body was sent to Cumilla Medical College Hospital for autopsy.

Anwar had been involved in Awami League-affiliated politics and previously served as president of the local ward unit of the Jubo League. Local residents also alleged that he had influence over dredging and soil-trading activities in the area.

His brother Jalal Hossain alleged that several people had demanded Tk 100 million from Anwar over his return to the area and that he was killed after failing to pay. Anwar’s wife made a similar allegation, saying her husband had received threats and that she recognised some of the attackers.

Residents said Anwar had longstanding disputes with several groups over political rivalry, previous enmity and local influence. The allegations have not been independently verified.

Md Shafiul Alam, officer-in-charge (OC) of Bangra Bazar Police Station, said, "Police initially suspected that the killing stemmed from previous enmity. A case was being prepared and police were conducting operations to identify and arrest those involved."