A farmer was fatally shot while two other villagers sustained gunshot wounds in a violent attack in Daulatpur upazila of Kushtia on Thursday evening. The fatal shooting took place at approximately 6:30pm in Pachabhita village, located within the Piarpur Union.
The victim was identified as 55-year-old Rafique Islam, a well-known farmer from the area. The injured individuals are local residents Robjel Farazi, aged 52, and 55-year-old Yusuf Hossain. Both men were rushed to Kushtia General Hospital immediately after the incident, where they are receiving treatment.
Police reports and eyewitness accounts suggest that Rafique had been enjoying tea at a modest village tea stall shortly before dusk when two motorcycles carrying four to five armed men arrived. They stopped abruptly near the shop, creating alarm among those present. One of the individuals, appearing to act as the lead assailant, pulled out a pistol and fired directly at Rafique. The bullet struck his chest, killing him instantly in front of horrified onlookers.
Startled villagers reacted instinctively; some fled the scene in fear, while a few attempted to pursue the attackers. However, as the assailants fled on their motorcycles, they fired several additional rounds indiscriminately towards the crowd. Robjel and Yusuf, who were present near the tea stall, were hit by stray bullets and collapsed. Several villagers helped carry them to a vehicle before transporting them urgently to the hospital.
Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime and Operations) Faisal Mahmud later visited the crime scene. Speaking to reporters, he confirmed that Rafique had died from a single gunshot wound to the chest. “We are actively conducting raids and gathering intelligence to locate the armed men involved in this attack,” he said. “Although the precise motive remains unclear, we have received indications that a financial dispute may be connected to the incident.”
Local sources echoed this possibility, suggesting that tensions over monetary dealings had surfaced in recent months, though they could not confirm whether Rafique was directly involved in any such dispute. Police investigators have begun interviewing relatives, neighbours and eyewitnesses to determine whether any recent conflict or disagreement could be linked to the killing.
Authorities have secured the area and collected bullet casings and other forensic evidence from around the tea stall. They are also examining nearby escape routes that the attackers may have used. Increased police patrols have been deployed throughout Daulatpur in response to public concern.
The sudden violence has left the residents of Pachabhita shaken. Rafique, described by neighbours as a peaceful, hardworking farmer, was known to lead a quiet life dedicated to his agricultural work. Community members expressed shock that such a brutal attack could unfold in a typically calm rural village.
Police confirmed that Rafique’s body will be sent to the morgue at Kushtia General Hospital for a post-mortem examination. The findings will support the ongoing investigation and help establish a clear timeline of events.
As the inquiry continues, authorities have urged villagers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. They have also reassured the community that every effort is being made to apprehend the attackers quickly and restore a sense of security in the region.