Two separate killings occurred yesterday, Monday, in Chattogram’s Raujhan upazila and Monirampur upazila in Jashore, leaving communities shaken and raising concerns over political and criminal violence. The victims were a prominent politician and a businessman, respectively, both well-known figures in their regions.
Businessman Shot and Slain in Monirampur
In Monirampur, Jashore, 43-year-old businessman Rana Pratap Beiragi was brutally murdered at Kopalia Bazar. Beiragi owned an ice factory and had recently assumed the role of acting editor for the daily newspaper BD Khobor, published in Narail. In addition, he was recognised as a regional leader of the East Bengal Communist Party.
Eyewitnesses report that Rana was in his ice factory during the evening when, shortly after Maghrib prayers, three masked men arrived on a motorcycle. They took him into the market area, where one assailant held a pistol to his head and fired multiple shots. To ensure his death, they reportedly slit his throat before fleeing the scene.
Monirampur police station officer-in-charge (OC) Rajiullah Khan confirmed that the motive remains unclear and investigations are ongoing.
Jubo Dal Leader Killed in Raujhan
Meanwhile, in Raujhan upazila, Chattogram, 50-year-old Jubodal leader Zane Alam Sikdar was shot dead around 8 p.m. in Sikdarpara village, Purbo Gujra Union. Sikdar, a former joint convener of the Raujhan Upazila Jubo Dal, was an associate of BNP leader Gias Uddin Qader Chowdhury.
Sources indicated that Sikdar was walking near his home when gunmen on a motorcycle fired at him. He was taken to a local hospital by fellow party member Mahiuddin but was pronounced dead on arrival.
Raujhan OC Sajedul Islam stated that police are on the scene and have launched an investigation. Gias Qader Chowdhury asserted that Sikdar’s murder is politically motivated, noting that 11 of 18 killings in Raujhan since 5 August involved his supporters.
Summary of Killings
| Location | Victim Name | Age | Profession/Position | Profile | Method of Killing | Context/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monirampur, Jashore | Rana Pratap Beiragi | 43 | Businessman | Ice factory owner, journalist, political leader | Gunshots and throat slitting | Multiple cases pending |
| Raujhan, Chattogram | Zane Alam Sikdar | 50 | Politician | Youth League leader, BNP supporter | Motorcycle shooting | Political rivalry suspected |
Both incidents have prompted immediate investigations by local authorities. The killings have heightened fear in the affected communities and drawn attention from political circles, as tensions continue to simmer in both districts.