KHULNA — Assailants killed two young men in broad daylight outside the Khulna district court Sunday, shooting them and hacking them with machetes, in the latest violence to strike a city long known for organized crime and killings.
The victims were identified as Md. Hasib Howlader, son of Md. Mannaf Howlader of Notun Bazar Char Masjid Goli, who police said faced charges related to arms and drugs; and Md. Rajon, son of Ejaz Sheikh of Bagmara village in Rupsa upazila.
The attack happened around 12:15 p.m. Sunday in front of the main gate of the Khulna District and Sessions Judge’s Court. The Khulna Circuit House is located in front of the court. The brazen attack in a crowded and high-profile area, despite a heavy security presence, has spread fresh fear among residents.
Multiple witnesses said Rajon and Hasib had come to attend a court hearing. As they walked out onto the main road after the hearing, three or four assailants who had been waiting opened fire. One man was shot in the head and collapsed on the road with his brain matter exposed. The assailants then hacked both men with machetes before fleeing the scene.
A witness on the third floor of the court building said three or four attackers ran toward the Forest Office after shooting and hacking the two men.
Another witness said six people had come to attend the hearing. Bail was denied for four of them. The two who got bail were attacked the moment they reached the main road.
Khulna Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner (Media) T.M. Rokonuzzaman told Amar Desh that assailants killed two people by shooting them in the court area. Police are working to determine the motive and identify those involved, he said.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report