12 BNP Leaders and Activists Murdered in Two Years

A series of brutal killings of BNP leaders and their relatives has spread deep fear in Khulna city and district. People in politics and ordinary citizens are worried. Many ask whether these targeted killings come from internal disputes, a fight for control, old enmity or political revenge. People also question the role of the police because attackers use illegal guns in public and escape freely.

Sources say at least 12 BNP and affiliated leaders and workers have been killed in Khulna in the last two years. The latest victim is Mr. Zakir Hossain, also known as Zakir Sheikh, aged 43. He was a member of the Sadar Union BNP search committee in Rupsha upazila. Attackers shot him dead on Thursday night at about 9:45 pm while he sat in a tea shop in front of Moynamati Government Primary School.

The killing happened soon after the district law and order committee meeting ended. From 22 October to 12 November, there were 13 shooting incidents in Khulna in just 20 days. These caused nine murders, including six by gunfire. Five of the murders took place in Khulna city and four in Rupsha and Dumuria upazilas.

Up to 12 November 2026, police recorded 79 murders. Khulna Metropolitan area had 39 and the district had 40. In most cases, helmeted attackers came on motorbikes. They shot victims from close range in public places or tea shops and fled fast.

At least nine BNP leaders and workers or their relatives were killed in Khulna in the past year. At least five others were badly hurt. On 1 November, attackers entered the business office of Mr. Syed Humayun Kabir at Rayermahal in the city. He was joint convener of Khulna Metropolitan Tanti Dal. They cut him down with a machete and a Chinese axe.

In Dumuria, attackers shot dead Mr. Tarikul Islam, aged 35, a BNP worker. He was the son of Mr. Sheikh Abdus Salam, convener of the union BNP. His family says he lost his life for protesting against drugs. On 24 and 25 October, attackers shot and badly hurt two BNP and Jubo Dal leaders in Batiaghata.

Eight months have passed since the murder of Mr. Rashikul Anam Rashu. He was a former organizing secretary of Daulatpur Thana Chhatra Dal and a Jubo Dal leader. Police still have not found the main reason behind his killing. These killings have created fear among grassroots BNP workers too.

Relatives of the victims and party leaders are angry that the main planners remain free. In many cases, key CCTV footage has disappeared. Police also failed to get confessions from the people they arrested. This raises doubts about the progress of the investigations. Observers warn that violence may grow if police cannot find the criminals fast.

Mr. Ali Asgar Lobi, MP for Khulna 5, spoke to Inqilab. He chairs the parliamentary standing committee on the Ministry of Railways. He said followers of the fallen government hold illegal weapons, licensed weapons and large amounts of black money. He said they use these to disturb peaceful Khulna. He said attacks on BNP workers aim to spread fear, and that the party has no internal division.

Khulna Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mr. Sajjadur Rahman admitted that targeted killings have increased. He said police arrest criminals regularly. He said public awareness and help are needed to bring the situation fully under control. Khulna Superintendent of Police Mr. Omar Faruk said growing political and social intolerance causes murders over small disputes.

Leaders of SUJAN (Citizens for Good Governance) say police must act harder and more visibly. They say police must recover illegal weapons and act against terrorists to restore public peace. Police data show 73 murders in Khulna city and district in the first 10 months of this year. Of these, 37 were in the metropolitan area and 36 in the district. At least 24 victims were shot dead, and the rest were hacked or beaten to death.

Gangs also demand extortion at gunpoint from clinics, pharmacies and businesses in the city. Gunmen fire blank shots, and gangs fight to control areas. Traders and citizens feel very unsafe.