A local leader of Jatiotabadi Jubo Dal, the ruling BNP's youth front, was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Chittagong’s Raozan upazila on Saturday.
The victim was identified as Maksudul Haque Chowdhury Masud, 45, a senior joint convener of Rangunia Upazila Jubo Dal.
According to police and local residents, Masud came under attack at Pahartali Chowmuhani in Raozan around 1:30 pm. The attackers allegedly opened fire on him, leaving him dead on the spot.
Locals suspect the killing may have been linked to a long-standing dispute over the sand trade. They also said Masud had been discussed as a potential chairman candidate in the upcoming local government elections.
Officer-in-Charge of Raozan Police Station Saiful Islam said police rushed to the scene after receiving information and recovered the body.
“Efforts are underway to identify and arrest those involved in the killing,” he added.
Meanwhile, protesting the murder, Jubo Dal activists blocked the Kaptai road in the Ishakhali area by burning tyres.
The protesters demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible and exemplary punishment for the perpetrators.