DHAKA
A senior local politician is in critical condition following a brutal shooting in Bangladesh’s Kushtia district. Shafiqul Islam Azam, a 52-year-old leader of the Awami League, was targeted by unidentified gunmen.
The attack took place at his own place of business in Sadarpur Bazar, where witnesses say a group of men called him outside before opening fire and speeding away.
Medical officials at Kushtia General Hospital reported that Azam suffered life-threatening injuries, including gunshots to his eye, jaw, and abdomen. Due to severe internal bleeding, he has been rushed to the capital, Dhaka, for emergency surgery. At the crime scene, police recovered a motorcycle, a magazine, and live bullets, and they have launched a full investigation to track down the shooters.
This shooting is the latest in a worrying wave of political violence gripping the country. The Awami League has raised alarms over what it calls a “reign of terror,” citing frequent attacks, mass arrests, and even deaths of their members in police custody. Just weeks ago, another party leader died while being held in a Dhaka jail, further fueling claims of political vengeance.
The current government, led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), denies these accusations. However, rights groups warn that such targeted violence undermines the nation’s peace and justice system. As tensions rise, many fear that these personal attacks could spark broader unrest across the country.