Youth shot, hacked to death in Khulna

A young man was shot and hacked to death by assailants in Khulna city's South Tutpara Boro Khalpar area late Thursday night (July 30), in what police suspect was a targeted killing.

The deceased, Md Ismail, 36, was the son of Shahjahan, also known as 'Pagla Shahjahan', a resident of the area.

According to police and local residents, the attackers first opened fire on Ismail, leaving him with a gunshot wound to the head. They then repeatedly attacked him with sharp weapons before fleeing the scene, apparently to ensure his death.

Locals rushed the critically injured Ismail to Khulna Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

Police said Ismail was facing multiple cases related to drug trafficking and criminal activities.

Shafiqul Islam, officer-in-charge (OC) of Khulna Sadar Police Station, said, "The nature of the attack indicated a high level of premeditation and personal animosity."

"After shooting him, the attackers repeatedly hacked him with sharp weapons to confirm his death. The brutality of the attack suggests deep-seated hostility," the OC said.

Preliminary police findings indicate that Ismail had alleged links to a local criminal group and was also known in the area as a Jubo League activist.

Police collected evidence from the crime scene and sent the body to Khulna Medical College Hospital morgue for an autopsy.

Law enforcers said efforts are underway to identify and arrest those involved, while the motive behind the killing is being investigated.