Man shot dead in Pabna

A man was shot dead in the Lokhmikunda of Ishwardi upazila in Pabna yesterday.

Police and locals said criminals shot Md Biru Mollah, 75, president of the BNP's Lokhmikunda Union unit, inside his house in Kamalpur village. He died on the way to Ishwardi Upazila Health Complex.

Officer-in-Charge of Ishwardi Police Station Md Mominuzzaman said preliminary findings suggest that previous enmity and a land dispute were behind the killing.

Locals said Biru Mollah had a long-standing dispute with one of his cousins over shoal land and brick trading. The upazila health officer said the victim had severe injuries to his head and mouth, with splinters and signs of torture.

When this correspondent contacted BNP-nominated candidate for the Pabna-4 Habibur Rahman, his nephew Md Paban received the call and confirmed the political identity of the victim.

Asked about the motive behind the killing, he declined to comment.

An investigation is ongoing, the OC said, adding that no case had been filed.

The body has been sent to Pabna General Hospital for autopsy.