Farmer shot dead in Kushtia amid 'turf war'

The shooting has sparked panic in the locality, which has seen a series of clashes between rival groups vying for dominance over land and sand-extraction rights

A farmer has been shot dead and another man was wounded by gunfire in Kushtia's Bheramara Upazila.

The incident took place around 8:30pm on Friday in the Rayta Notunpara area of Bahadurpur Union, according to Bheramara Police Station chief Abdur Rouf Talukder.

The dead man was identified as Refajul Islam, 50, while Lalon Mondol, 45, was injured.

Panic has spread in the locality following the shooting. Police have launched an operation to arrest those involved.

Citing locals, police said Refajul and Lalon were shopping at a neighbourhood store at night when several armed men suddenly approached and opened fire at close range. Refajul died on the spot, while Lalon suffered gunshot wounds.

Informed of the matter, police recovered Refajul’s body from the scene and sent it to the Kushtia General Hospital morgue.

For some time, the area has seen a series of clashes, including shootings, chases and killings, as rival groups compete for dominance over land and sand-extraction rights.

Talukder said police suspect the killing may have been triggered by a turf dispute. He added that efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest those involved.