BNP leader hacked to death in Narayanganj, 4 detained as protesters block road

A local BNP leader was hacked to death allegedly over a dispute centering illegal soil cutting with excavators in Araihazar upazila of Narayanganj yesterday night (20 May).

The incident took place around 12:45am in the Panchgaon Charpara area under Duptara union.

The deceased was identified as Osman Gani, 40, general secretary of Brahammandi Union unit of BNP and son of the late Abdur Rashid from the Borobinair Charr area. He was also the paternal uncle of Zubayer Hossain, former member secretary of the district Chhatra Dal.

In protest, relatives and party activists blocked the Araihazar-Gausia road today morning (21 May), vandalising several vehicles.

Police have detained four individuals for questioning in connection with the murder.

Confirming the matter, Mohammad Alauddin, officer-in-charge (OC) of Araihazar Police Station, said additional police forces have been deployed along the highway to bring the situation under control.

"We have detained four suspects for interrogation. Drives are currently underway to identify and apprehend those directly involved in the killing. Police are also working to restore normal traffic flow on the blocked road," the OC added.

According to police and locals, Osman had been involved in a dispute with Ramzan Ali, member Secretary of Duptara Union Swechhasebak Dal, over soil cutting activities using excavators. At one stage, associates of Ramzan allegedly attacked Osman Gani with sharp weapons, leaving him critically injured.

Locals rescued Osman and rushed him to Araihazar Zobed Ali Memorial Hospital. As his condition deteriorated, the attending doctors referred him to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH). However, he died on the way to the hospital.