In a shocking act of violence, a prominent youth political leader, Rashikul Anam Rashu, 38, was fatally shot in broad daylight in Khulna on Monday, 16 March.
The incident occurred at approximately 11:30 a.m. outside the KDA Kalpotru Market on Ārôngghata Road, within the jurisdiction of Daulatpur Thana police station. Eyewitnesses reported that Rashu, a businessman in the construction materials sector, was present at his shop near the market when assailants opened fire without warning.
A single bullet struck Rashu in the head, causing him to collapse instantly. Witnesses stated that the attackers fled the scene immediately after the shooting, leaving onlookers in shock. Nearby residents and passersby rushed to provide assistance and transported him to Khulna Medical College Hospital. Despite immediate medical attention, doctors pronounced him dead on arrival.
Rashu, son of Shariful Anam of the Deyana area, was a former Organisational Secretary of the Chhatra Dal and currently served as Joint Secretary of the Daulatpur Thana Youth League. Alongside his political commitments, he managed a business dealing in bricks and sand near KDA Kalpotru Market.
The following table summarises the key details of the incident:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Victim Name | Rashikul Anam Rashu |
| Age | 38 |
| Political Position | Joint Secretary, Daulatpur Thana Youth League; former Organisational Secretary, Chhatra Dal |
| Date & Time | 16 March, ~11:30 a.m. |
| Location | KDA Kalpotru Market, Ārôngghata Road, Khulna |
| Cause of Death | Gunshot wound to the head |
| Business | Bricks and sand trading |
| Hospital | Khulna Medical College Hospital |
| Current Status | Deceased; police investigation ongoing |
Confirming the death, Dr Ashraf of Khulna Medical College Hospital stated that Rashu had succumbed to his injuries upon arrival. Meanwhile, Shafiqul Islam, Officer-in-Charge of Daulatpur Thana, said police had inspected the crime scene and launched a full-scale investigation. Authorities are currently working to identify and apprehend the perpetrators while probing the motive behind this fatal attack.
The tragic killing has sent shockwaves through the local community and political circles, raising concerns over safety and political violence in the region. Eyewitnesses and neighbours called for urgent action to prevent further incidents of public violence.