Dhaka. The phase of political violence does not seem to be stopping before the upcoming general elections in Bangladesh. Former Swayamsevak Dal leader Azizur Rahman Musabbir was shot dead by unknown assailants on Tuesday night in the Karwan Bazaar area of the capital Dhaka. This sensational incident, which took place amidst the model code of conduct implemented before the voting to be held in the country on February 12, has raised serious questions on the security arrangements. Musabbir had been the general secretary of Dhaka Metropolitan North Swayamsevak Dal, the voluntary wing of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
According to the police, the attack took place around 8:30 pm near a hotel located near Bashundhara City Shopping Complex. Taking advantage of the crowded commercial area, the attackers opened fire on Musabbir at close range. Eyewitnesses said that the attackers fired several rounds, causing panic in the area. In this firing, Musabbir was shot in the stomach, while another person present with him was also seriously injured. Musabbir was immediately taken to a private hospital, where doctors declared him dead. The condition of the second injured person is said to be stable at present and he is undergoing treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
As soon as the news of the incident spread, there was huge tension in Karwan Bazaar and surrounding areas. Angry supporters and local people blocked the road at Sark Fountain intersection late night, due to which the traffic system of the capital came to a complete standstill. Seeing the seriousness of the situation, police as well as army personnel had to take charge. The army pacified the protesters and opened the way, but intermittent protests continued in the area. At present, security forces have cordoned off the entire area and extensive raids are being conducted to search for the attackers.
This series of political murders among election enthusiasts in Bangladesh is worrying. A few days before the murder of Musabbir, there was a fatal attack on a leader of Jubo Dal, while on December 12, Inquilab Manch leader Usman Hadi was also murdered. Opposition parties have termed these incidents as a conspiracy to intimidate before the elections. The local administration says that they are scanning the CCTV footage and the culprits will be arrested soon. However, with less than a month left for voting, the increasing violence has created an atmosphere of fear among ordinary citizens and political activists.
