Office Shooting Leaves Contractor Injured

A senior contractor representative was shot and injured after armed assailants stormed an office of the Khulna Food Transport and Storage Contractors Association in Khulna city on Tuesday, 19 May.

The incident took place at the association’s office located at Shantidham Mor on Khan Jahan Ali Road. The victim, 62-year-old Sheikh Harunur Rashid, vice-president of the association, was reportedly struck by a bullet during a confrontation between rival groups over control of the organisation’s premises.

According to eyewitness accounts and statements from association leaders, long-standing tensions had been brewing between two factions over ownership and operational authority of the office space. The dispute had already escalated into legal proceedings, with both parties filing cases in Khulna courts. Leaders of the association claim that a ruling was recently issued in their favour, after which they attempted to reoccupy the premises.

The situation deteriorated rapidly on Tuesday when members of the opposing faction allegedly arrived at the office and engaged in heated arguments. Within moments, the confrontation turned violent. Witnesses stated that a shotgun was used during the attack, and multiple rounds were fired.

Although the target of the attack was reportedly another leader, Sheikh Harunur Rashid was accidentally struck in the right thigh when a bullet was deflected during the chaos. He was immediately rescued by locals and taken to Khulna Medical College Hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment.

Association General Secretary Khan Mohammad Rezaul Alam alleged that the attackers arrived in a coordinated group and deliberately attempted to seize control of the office. He further claimed that individuals linked to local political and ward-level election activity were involved, naming several persons in connection with the incident and stating that their identities would be formally included in the police complaint.

However, police have said the incident appears to have originated from a clash between two rival groups within the organisation. Khulna Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Shafiqul Islam confirmed that Harunur Rashid sustained a gunshot wound to his right thigh. He added that the exact identities of those responsible have not yet been verified, and investigations are ongoing.

Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage and gathering witness statements as part of efforts to determine who was directly involved in the shooting.

Incident Overview

The incident has heightened tensions within the local contractors’ association, raising concerns over governance disputes turning violent in the region.