An Awami League political leader has been left in critical condition after being shot by unidentified assailants in Kushtia’s Mirpur upazila, in an audacious evening attack that has triggered a wide-ranging police investigation into both the motive and those responsible.
The victim, Shafikul Islam Azam (52), serves as the General Secretary of the Amala Union unit of the Awami League. He is the son of the late Abul Mondal and is a well-known figure in the local political landscape. The shooting incident occurred at approximately 7:00 pm on Sunday (29 March) in the bustling Sadorpur Bazar area under Mirpur upazila.
He was swiftly transported to Kushtia General Hospital in a critical condition shortly after the attack.
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Attack in a Crowded Commercial Hub
According to local eyewitnesses and police officials, Shafikul Islam was seated inside a tobacco warehouse within Sadorpur Bazar when the attackers struck. Residents reported hearing multiple gunshots ring out, causing immediate panic and confusion across the market area.
Bystanders rushed to the scene moments later and discovered the injured Awami League leader lying on the ground with severe gunshot wounds. He was quickly evacuated and taken to Kushtia General Hospital for urgent medical attention.
Hospital sources and law enforcement later confirmed that his condition remains critical.
Police Seize Bullet Casings and Motorcycle
Mirpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Shahidul Islam confirmed the incident and stated that police units were deployed promptly after receiving reports of gunfire in the area.
During a preliminary examination of the crime scene, officers recovered three spent bullet casings along with a firearm magazine, suggesting the use of a semi-automatic weapon in the attack. In addition, an abandoned motorcycle was found nearby and seized for forensic examination.
Investigators are now working to determine whether the motorcycle was used by the attackers as a getaway vehicle. Efforts are also underway to trace its ownership and any recent movements linked to the incident.
Unclear Motive Behind the Shooting
Authorities have stated that the motive behind the attack remains uncertain at this stage. Police have not ruled out any possibilities, including political rivalry, personal enmity, or local disputes.
Preliminary findings indicate that the attackers fled the scene immediately after carrying out the shooting, leaving behind physical evidence that is now central to the investigation.
Law enforcement agencies have begun collecting CCTV footage from nearby shops and business establishments in an effort to reconstruct the sequence of events leading up to the attack.
Security in and around Sadorpur Bazar has reportedly been tightened to prevent any further incidents or potential retaliation.
Incident Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim | Shafikul Islam Azam (52) |
| Position | General Secretary, Amala Union Awami League |
| Location | Sadorpur Bazar, Mirpur, Kushtia |
| Time | Around 7:00 pm, Sunday (29 March) |
| Condition | Critical gunshot injuries |
| Hospital | Kushtia General Hospital |
| Recovered evidence | 3 bullet casings, 1 firearm magazine, abandoned motorcycle |
Investigation Underway
Police have described identifying the perpetrators as their highest priority. Forensic specialists are analysing the recovered ammunition and related materials, while intelligence teams are pursuing multiple leads.
Authorities have also appealed to the public for information that may assist in identifying the attackers or clarifying the circumstances surrounding the abandoned motorcycle.
The incident has caused significant concern in the local area, particularly given that it occurred in a busy marketplace during peak evening hours when traders and customers were present. The investigation remains ongoing.