Shibir activist killed in Noakhali ‘gunfight’

A member of Islami Chhatra Shibir’s Pias Bahini was killed in a reported gunfight with police in Amanullahpur village in Begumganj upazila of Noakhali district on early Tuesday.

The deceased was identified as Nazrul Islam alias Kana Nazrul, 25, son of Abdul Hakim of Abhirampur village. He was the second-in-command of Islami Chhatra Shibir’s Pias Bahini.

Harun-ur-Rashid Chowdhury, officer-in-charge (OC) of Begumganj Police Station, said police conducted a drive around 4:00 am in Jonokollyan High School field.

Sensing the presence of law enforcers, members of Pias Bahini opened fire on them forcing the police to fire back in self-defence which triggered a gunfight.

Nazrul sustained gunshot wounds during the skirmish and was arrested from the spot after the gun battle. Police took him to Noakhali General Hospital where the duty doctor declared him dead, the OC said.

A foreign pistol, three rounds of bullets, sharp weapons, and five empty cartridges were recovered from the spot.

Nazrul Islam was the accused in a case filed over the murder of Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) leader Rakib Hossain. He was wanted in several cases, the police officer said.

On the night of Sunday (March 1), Shibir activists attacked BCL leaders in Amanullahpur Bazar area leaving five including Rakib severely injured. 

Rakib died at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) on Monday noon. His mother Shirin Akhter filed a case with Begumganj Police Station naming 25 people.

Noakhali/Sujon/AI