A shopkeeper from Chauddagram in Cumilla has died after being attacked by unidentified assailants while returning home after closing his business premises.
The deceased has been identified as Anwar Hossain, also known as Nayan (35), son of the late Abdul Hai from Betiyara village under Jagannathdighi Union. He ran a small business selling betel leaf and shoes at Gangra Bazar.
According to police and local sources, the incident took place at around 11 pm on Tuesday. After closing his shop, Anwar Hossain was on his way home when he reached near the South Betiyara Mosque. At that point, a group of assailants intercepted him. They reportedly attacked him with sharp weapons and struck him on the head before fleeing the scene.
Hearing his cries, local residents rushed to the spot and rescued him in a seriously injured condition. He was first taken to Chauddagram Upazila Health Complex. As his condition deteriorated, he was transferred to Cumilla Medical College Hospital. He was later referred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment due to further decline in his health.
Anwar Hossain succumbed to his injuries early on Wednesday while being transferred from Dhaka Medical College Hospital to a private hospital.
Police confirmed that no suspects had been identified or arrested in connection with the incident as of Wednesday afternoon. Chauddagram Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Arif Hossain stated that preliminary findings suggest a possible land-related dispute between Anwar Hossain and a group from the same locality. Investigations are ongoing, and legal measures are being taken to identify and apprehend those involved. The body has been sent for post-mortem examination.
The sequence of events is summarised in the table below:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of deceased | Anwar Hossain (Nayan) |
| Age | 35 years |
| Occupation | Betel leaf and shoe trader |
| Residence | Betiyara village, Jagannathdighi Union, Chauddagram |
| Time of incident | Approximately 11:00 pm, Tuesday |
| Location of attack | Near South Betiyara Mosque |
| Type of assault | Attack with sharp weapons and head injury |
| Initial treatment | Chauddagram Upazila Health Complex |
| Subsequent treatment | Cumilla Medical College Hospital → Dhaka Medical College Hospital |
| Time of death | Early Wednesday during transfer to a private hospital |
| Current status of investigation | No arrests; investigation ongoing |
| Possible motive (preliminary) | Land-related dispute |
Family members stated that Anwar Hossain was taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital where oxygen support was reportedly limited, after which he was moved towards a private hospital where he died en route. His sister, Kohinur Akter, said that the family is seeking the identification and arrest of those responsible.
Police have said that further legal procedures are underway as part of the ongoing investigation.