A shocking incident of public violence unfolded on Sunday night at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka, leaving a young man critically injured after being shot and attacked with sharp weapons. The victim, identified as Rakibul Islam, 27, was immediately rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) for emergency treatment.
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Incident Overview
The attack occurred at approximately 9:15 pm on 15 March. Eyewitnesses reported that a group of unidentified assailants suddenly opened fire near the monument, discharging four rounds in broad daylight. Rakibul also suffered multiple lacerations from bladed weapons during the assault.
Friends of the victim at the scene described chaotic scenes. GM Ishan, one of Rakibul’s companions, said that he and others were socialising at a nearby tea stall when the gunfire erupted. “We immediately ran to him and found him lying in a pool of blood,” Ishan recounted. Rakibul was quickly transported to DMCH for urgent medical care.
Another friend, Roni, added that Rakibul had been called aside by a young man shortly before the attack. Moments later, gunshots rang out. When they reached the area, Rakibul was found gravely injured, with gunshot wounds to his head and multiple cuts across his body. Members of the public at the scene apprehended one suspect and handed him over to Shahbagh Police Station. His identity has not yet been publicly disclosed.
Victim Profile
Rakibul Islam is a second-year undergraduate student at Sheikh Borhan Uddin College and also works as a video content creator. He lives in Nimtoli, Old Dhaka, and is the son of Tarikul Islam Khokon. Medical authorities have described his condition as serious, noting the gunshot wound to his head and additional injuries to other parts of his body.
Police Response
Sub-Inspector Md. Mithu Fakir of Shahbagh Police Station confirmed the incident, stating that investigations are ongoing. He added that police are reviewing eyewitness accounts and CCTV footage to determine the motive behind the attack and to identify any other individuals involved.
Key Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | 15 March, 9:15 pm |
| Location | Central Shaheed Minar, Dhaka |
| Victim | Rakibul Islam, 27 |
| Occupation | College student, video content creator |
| Injuries | Bullet wound to head, multiple cuts on body |
| Hospital | Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) |
| Suspect | One male arrested, in Shahbagh Police custody |
| Investigation | Ongoing by Shahbagh Police Station |
Authorities have appealed to anyone with information about the incident to come forward. The case has heightened concerns over public safety in central Dhaka, particularly around landmarks like the Shaheed Minar, which often attracts students and young people. Rakibul remains under intensive care at DMCH, with doctors closely monitoring his condition.
