Assailants enter Khulna mosque during Fajr prayers, open fire and injure 2

The secretary of the mosque committee is among the injured and doctors say his condition is critical

Assailants have opened fire after entering a mosque in Khulna city during Fajr prayers, injuring two people.

One of the injured is in critical condition, police say.

The incident took place around 5:30am on Sunday at the West Kashipur Power Plant Jame Mosque in Daulatpur of the city, Khulna Metropolitan Police (KMP) Assistant Commissioner Md Abdur Razzak said.

The injured were secretary of the mosque committee Lokman Hakim, 45, from the North Kashipur area and Alam Mandal, 55, hailing from the same area.

Police officer Abdur Razzak said that during the Fajr prayers, some people entered the mosque and opened fire on Lokman. The bullet hit Lokman in the head. Alam Mandal, who was standing next to him, was also shot. He was hit in the head, left side of his neck and right arm.

They were later rescued and admitted to Khulna Medical College Hospital. However, Lokman's condition was critical and he was taken to Dhaka for advanced treatment.

Razzak said, “The police went to the spot when informed. The matter is being investigated. Details will be announced later. The police have started an investigation to identify the motive for the attack and those involved.”

Police are conducting a special joint operation to suppress violence, extortion and drug trafficking in Khulna city, sparking concern among city residents.

According to police data, 17 murders occurred in Khulna city from January to June this year. Police have linked various criminal groups to 34 murders that occurred after the Aug 5 Mass Uprising.

The police's intelligence department says that nine criminal groups have been implicated in most of the crimes in Khulna. After the arrest of the accused in these murders, a review of the information provided by the police initially showed that the murders are being committed due to a power struggle over the arms and drug trade, extortion, mutual disputes between the groups, and conflicts between political parties.