A chilling wave of political violence continues to grip the Raozan Upazila of Chittagong, following the daylight assassination of a local Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal activist. The victim, identified as 50-year-old Muhammad Abdul Majid, was gunned down on Wednesday evening in the bustling Alimiahahat Bazaar, a mere 500 metres from the East Guzra police investigation centre.
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The Execution at Alimiahahat
The incident occurred at approximately 7:30 pm while the market was still active with local trade. According to eyewitness accounts and senior BNP leaders, Mr Majid was walking home from the market when a group of masked assailants arrived on motorcycles. The gunmen opened fire at close range before fleeing the scene through the labyrinthine local roads.
The victim was rushed to the Raozan Upazila Health Complex, but medical staff confirmed he had succumbed to his injuries before arrival. Dr Tiblu Kanti Dey, the Resident Medical Officer, noted that the victim sustained three fatal gunshot wounds to the chest, waist, and just above the eye, indicating a targeted and professional execution.
A Pattern of Unresolved Violence
This assassination bears a haunting resemblance to the murder of another Jubo Dal leader, Muhammad Jane Alam, who was killed in an identical motorcycle-borne shooting just 500 metres away on 5 January. Local residents expressed growing frustration, noting that despite six weeks passing since that incident, the authorities have failed to make a single arrest.
The victim’s widow, Shahnaz Begum, revealed that her husband had survived a previous assassination attempt, highlighting the persistent danger faced by political workers in the region.
Raozan’s Rising Death Toll (Post-August 2024)
The security situation in Raozan has deteriorated sharply since the fall of the Awami League government on 5 August. The following data highlights the scale of the unrest:
| Category | Recorded Figure |
| Total Murders | 21 |
| Politically Motivated Killings | 15 |
| Gunfights & Violent Clashes | 100+ |
| Reported Injuries | 350+ |
| Unresolved Assassinations (Major) | 2 |
A Community in Fear
The Officer-in-Charge of Raozan Police Station, Sajedul Islam, stated that police teams have been deployed to the area and a formal investigation is underway. However, the proximity of the shooting to a police outpost has raised serious questions regarding the efficacy of local law enforcement and the emboldened nature of the criminal elements operating in the area.
With over 350 people injured in various skirmishes over the last few months, Raozan has become a flashpoint for political vendettas. As the community mourns Muhammad Abdul Majid, the lack of judicial progress in previous cases continues to fuel a climate of impunity and fear.