Journalist Shot Dead in Khulna; Local Vet Injured

In a shocking attack in Khulna, a prominent journalist was fatally shot by unidentified assailants on Thursday evening, while a local veterinary doctor was left seriously injured. The incident occurred around 9:30 pm in the Shalua Bazar area of Dumuria Upazila, according to Arongghata police station officer-in-charge Shahjahan Ahmed.

The deceased has been identified as Imdadul Haq Milon, aged 45, who served as president of the Shalua Press Club and was also general secretary of the Shalua Bazar Traders’ Association. Milon was the son of Mohammad Bazlul and operated a news portal named ‘Bortoman Somoy’.

Eyewitnesses reported that Milon was sitting at a tea stall near Janata Bank in Shalua Bazar when four armed men arrived on two motorcycles. The attackers opened fire indiscriminately. During the attack, Debashish Biswas, a local veterinary doctor, was struck in the head by a stray bullet and was injured.

OC Shahjahan Ahmed explained: “After hitting Debashish, the assailants entered the tea stall and shot Imdadul Haq Milon multiple times at close range. Following the attack, they fled the scene. Locals rushed both Milon and Biswas to Khulna Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared Milon dead on arrival.”

Police have confirmed that a full investigation is underway, with officers collecting evidence and conducting searches to apprehend those responsible. The OC added that further details will be released as the investigation progresses.

The brutal murder has sent shockwaves through the journalism community in Khulna, raising concerns about the safety of reporters and media personnel in the region. Colleagues and local residents have called for a swift and thorough inquiry to ensure justice for Milon and to deter similar attacks in the future.

This incident highlights the rising risks faced by journalists covering local affairs, particularly in areas where political, criminal, and economic tensions intersect. Law enforcement agencies have urged witnesses to come forward with any information that could aid the investigation.

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