Ward BNP leader shot dead shortly after release on bail

A BNP ward-level leader and former union parishad member was shot dead in Pabna’s Atgharia upazila on Monday, shortly after his release on bail.

The deceased, Adam Ali, 60, was the president of BNP’s Ward No. 1 unit in Ekdanta Union and a prime accused in a case filed over the rape and murder of a young woman.

Police said a group of assailants intercepted Adam while he was returning home by motorcycle after shopping at Ekdanta Bazar around 4pm.

They opened fire on him in Chandipasha area, leaving him dead on the spot.

Police suspect the killing may have stemmed from an internal feud within a banned extremist group.

Adam had allegedly been an active member of the group and faced several criminal cases.

He had been in jail for nearly a year and was recently released on bail before returning to his area.

Police said an investigation is underway to identify and arrest those involved.