Minority Watch, Khulna: A student named Arnab Kumar Sarkar was shot and hacked to death at by assailants in the city’s Sheikhpara Tentultala area at around 10:15 pm on Friday (January 24). Khulna Metropolitan Police (KMP) ADC (Media) Mohammad Ahsan Habib confirmed this information.
Arnab, a member of the minority Hindu community, had previously been involved in protests against the recent atrocities targeting Hindus in Bangladesh. However, it remains unclear whether his murder was motivated by communal tensions or other reasons.
Since the ousting of the Awami League government, more than 2,000 reports of attacks on minorities have emerged in Bangladesh. The government, however, has refused to classify these incidents as communal, instead labeling them as political.
In response to the murder, Khulna Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner (South), Md. Moniruzzaman Mithu, stated that investigators are focusing on four potential motives: extortion, a possible love affair, a dispute related to Arnab’s father’s construction business, and whether Arnab was involved with a juvenile gang. These are currently the primary avenues of investigation.
Arnab, 22, was the son of Nitish Kumar Sarkar, a resident of Bashupara in the city. He was pursuing a Master’s degree in Business Administration at Khulna University.
Neighbors described Arnab as a well-mannered young man, known for his good behavior. Many were shocked by his sudden death, as he had been balancing his academic studies with helping manage his father’s business.
Eyewitnesses and police said that Arnab was drinking tea while leaning against a motorcycle at the Tentultala intersection in Sheikhpara at around 10:15 pm on Friday. At that time, a group of 10 to 15 armed assailants on motorcycles approached him. The attackers shot him, and as he fell to the ground, they proceeded to hack him with sharp weapons.
Locals rushed him to the private City Medical College Hospital in critical condition, but the attending doctors declared him dead upon arrival. Five spent bullet casings were recovered from the scene.
Shafiqul Islam, the officer-in-charge of Sonadanga Model Police Station, said, “Arnab’s body shows several bullet wounds. Three rounds of pistol bullets and a shotgun shell have been recovered from the scene. Investigations are ongoing, with multiple factors being considered.”
“Arnab’s father is a contractor, and the victim often helped with the family business alongside his studies. We are investigating whether there was any conflict related to this business or if personal matters, such as relationships or disputes, played a role,” said Officer Islam.
Family members said that Arnab’s body was handed over to them following an autopsy at Khulna Medical College Hospital around noon on Saturday. The family held a brief ceremony at their home before preparing for the cremation. Arnab’s parents, brother, and other relatives are mourning the loss.
Dr. Mohammad Shah Alam, registrar of Khulna University, expressed condolences on behalf of the university community, stating, “The deceased was a postgraduate student in Business Administration. The university family extends its heartfelt sympathy in this tragic time.”