Chhatra Dal leader dies in ‘gunbattle’

A local leader of the BNP's student front has been killed in an 'encounter' with police in Satkhira of southern Bangladesh.

Police identified the deceased as Azharul Islam, 28, son of Sirajuddin Sarder of Kathi Union. He was Chatra Dal vice president of Tala Upazila unit.

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in Satkhira, Kazi Moniruzzman said the encounter took place around 5am on Monday at the Upazila’s Magura Kheyaghat.

He said Islam, accused in several cases, was arrested from the Upazila’s Chandpur on Sunday morning.

Security forces conducted a raid based on his information.

Miscreants opened fire and lobbed bombs as the security forces reached Magura boat terminal prompting police to fire back in retaliation.

“Islam and police Sub-Inspector Sakhawat and Constable Shahbuddin were injured in the 20-minute skirmish,” said the ASP.

Doctors at Satkhira Sadar Hospital declared Islam dead when he was rushed there.

A locally made gun, five bombs and two bullets were recovered from the spot, the police officer said.

Tala Police Station OC Motiar Rahman said the Chhatra Dal activist was accused in the murder of Islamkathi Union Parishad member Abdur Rauf in 2002. He is accused in seven cases including torturing women and sabotage.

On Sunday, two activists of Islami Chhatra Shibir were killed in a similar ‘gunbattle’ with the security forces at Satkhira’s Debhata Upazila.