Khulna gripped by murders, extortion and fear

KHULNA, Nov 14: A growing wave of murders, extortion, shootings and threats has turned Khulna into a source of mounting fear, with ordinary residents, business owners and political leaders increasingly concerned about their safety. Many victims and their families are reluctant to file cases or speak publicly, fearing further reprisals.

At least 12 leaders and activists of the BNP and its affiliated organisations have been killed in Khulna since the July-August 2024 mass uprising, while several others have been shot and injured.

An investigation found that 222 murders took place in Khulna district and metropolitan areas between 2024 and November 14, 2026. Of these, 120 occurred in the district and 102 in the metropolitan area.

Law enforcement sources said 79 murders were reported in the first 11 months and 14 days of 2026 alone, including 39 in the metropolitan area and 40 in the district.

A major concern is that several accused in murder cases have secured bail and allegedly returned to criminal activities. Senior police officials said the repeated release of suspected criminals was undermining efforts to restore law and order.

12 BNP LEADERS AND ACTIVISTS KILLED
Among the recent victims were former Chhatra Dal leader Rashikul Anam Rasu, Labour Dal leader Masum Billah, Jubo Dal leader Joy Dhali and his father Akhtar Dhali, Tantidal leader Humayun Kabir and BNP leader Zakir Hossain.

Zakir, 43, a member of the Rupsa Upazila Sadar Union BNP search committee, was shot dead by assailants on Thursday night.
Several other BNP-affiliated leaders were murdered between November 2024 and November 2026. Investigations into a number of the killings remain incomplete, with key suspects and alleged masterminds yet to be arrested.

Families of the victims have demanded justice. Shariful Anam, father of murdered BNP leader Rasu, said, "Perhaps being involved with the BNP has become our crime."

Fatematuz Zohara, wife of slain Labour Dal leader Masum Billah, said her husband was killed in front of their children and demanded exemplary punishment for those responsible.

Khulna Metropolitan BNP General Secretary Shafiqul Alam Tuhin said failure to ensure justice for one murder created the conditions for another. District BNP Convener Moniruzzaman Montu also urged the administration to take immediate action.

Local civil society representatives said the deteriorating security situation had left ordinary people and business owners increasingly vulnerable to criminals.

POLICE ANNOUNCE SPECIAL DRIVE
Khulna Superintendent of Police Sarker Omar Faruk acknowledged that criminals securing bail and returning to illegal activities was a serious concern.

He said district police would launch an intensified drive this week to recover illegal firearms and control the indiscriminate movement of motorcycles.

Checkposts, block raids, patrols and intelligence surveillance would also be strengthened, he added.

NRB-6 Commander Nistar Ahmed expressed similar concern over repeat offenders securing bail.

NCP ANNOUNCES SEVEN-POINT DEMANDS
Meanwhile, the Khulna district unit of the National Citizen Party (NCP) has demanded immediate steps to restore law and order.

At a press conference at Khulna Press Club on Saturday, district convener Mahmudul Hasan Faizullah announced a seven-point demand, including publication of a white paper on crimes and the progress of cases, formation of a politically neutral special task force, impartial investigations into murders and extortion, and an end to political patronage of criminal networks.

The party also called for a confidential hotline to report extortion and threats, alongside increased security patrols and CCTV surveillance in commercial areas, hospitals, markets and other public places.

The NCP warned that it would continue peaceful democratic programmes if the government failed to ensure public safety and justice.

NO CASE FILED OVER ZAKIR MURDER
Meanwhile, no case had been filed by Saturday afternoon over Zakir Hossain's murder.

Rupsa Police Station Officer-in-Charge Masum Khan said the victim's family was discussing whether to lodge a complaint.

He said police had detained Akhtar Sheikh on suspicion of involvement in the killing and sent him to jail under Section 54 of the Code of Criminal Procedure pending the filing of a case.