KATHMANDU, Jan 8: Political violence in Bangladesh has shown no signs of abating ahead of the upcoming national elections, with yet another opposition leader shot dead in the capital on Tuesday night.
Azijur Rahman Musabbir, a leader of the Jatiyatabadi Swechchasebak Dal, the volunteer wing of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), was killed in a targeted shooting near the Super Star Hotel in Dhaka’s Karwan Bazar area at around 8:30 pm, according to local media reports.
The Daily Star reported that unidentified assailants opened fire on Musabbir at close range before fleeing the scene on foot. Later the Dhaka Metropolitan Police conffirmed that Musabbir succumbed to his injuries while being rushed to BRB Hospital in Panthapath.
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In the same attack, Sufian Masud, general secretary of the Tejgaon Thana Van Sramik Union, sustained gunshot wounds and is undergoing treatment. Party sources said Musabbir had attended a political programme earlier in the evening and was heading down a nearby alley with Masud when the attackers struck.
Following the killing, BNP activists and locals staged protests near Sonargaon crossing, demanding justice and accusing the authorities of failing to ensure security amid a worsening political climate.
Family members and party colleagues said Musabbir had spent years in jail during the Awami League’s rule and had been repeatedly arrested on political charges, making him a familiar figure within opposition circles. His killing comes just days after the murder of youth leader Usman Hadi, further deepening fears of spiralling election-related violence.
With national elections scheduled for February 12, growing unrest has raised serious about the ability of the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus to maintain law and order. Opposition parties have accused the administration of failing to rein in politically motivated attacks, while rights groups have warned that a climate of fear could undermine a free and fair vote.
Usman Hadi’s family had earlier alleged that his killing was aimed at derailing the electoral process, directly blaming the interim leadership. As shootings, street clashes, and targeted attacks continue, pressure is mounting on the authorities to restore stability and reassure voters ahead of the polls.
Observers warn that unless decisive measures are taken, Bangladesh risks entering the election period under the shadow of deepening political violence and uncertainty.
With inputs from agencies
