Minority Watch, January 26 — The mystery surrounding the brutal killing of Khulna University student Arnab Kumar Sarker remains unsolved as police continue their investigation. Despite multiple arrests, authorities have yet to determine a clear motive for the attack.
In its report titled “Khulna University Student Murder: Police Unable to Find Motive,” Prothom Alo highlighted the lack of progress in the investigation. According to the publication, “The family is not suspecting anyone. However, the police are continuing the investigation, keeping several aspects in mind. No case had been filed as of Saturday afternoon.”
The police confirmed that three individuals were arrested on suspicion of involvement in the murder. “They are being interrogated, but their names are not being disclosed as nothing has been confirmed yet,” Prothom Alo reported.
Similarly, bdnews24.com reiterated the police’s stance, stating, “No motive has been found in the killing of Arnab. The family has not expressed suspicion against anyone, and the investigation is exploring multiple possibilities.”
Official Statements and Speculation
Prior to detailed investigations, the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing dismissed any connection between Arnab’s murder and his religious identity. In a statement posted on its verified Facebook page, CA Press Wing Facts, the office stated, “The killing was not connected to the victim’s religion. Reports from several Indian outlets suggesting otherwise are misleading.”
Khulna Metropolitan Police (KMP) Additional Commissioner Kutub Uddin, quoted in the press wing’s statement, added, “Preliminary investigations suggest local drug traders were responsible for the murder. It was not a hate crime, nor was there any communal tension in the area.”
Nevertheless, Arnab’s involvement in protests against violence targeting Hindus in Bangladesh has raised questions about whether communal motivations played a role.
Details of the Incident
Arnab, 22, was shot and hacked to death in the Sheikhpara Tentultala area of Khulna at approximately 10:15 pm on Friday, January 24. Witnesses reported that 10 to 15 armed assailants arrived on motorcycles, shot him, and then attacked him with sharp weapons after he fell.
Locals rushed him to City Medical College Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Five bullet casings were recovered from the crime scene.
Shafiqul Islam, Officer-in-Charge of Sonadanga Model Police Station, confirmed, “Arnab’s body had several bullet wounds. Three pistol bullets and a shotgun shell were recovered. The investigation is focusing on multiple angles, including extortion, personal relationships, and potential business-related disputes.”
Context and Reactions
Arnab, a member of the Hindu minority, was pursuing a Master’s degree in Business Administration at Khulna University while assisting his father’s construction business. Described by neighbors as well-mannered and diligent, his death has left the community in shock.
Khulna Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner Md. Moniruzzaman Mithu revealed investigators are examining four possible motives: extortion, a personal relationship, a dispute connected to Arnab’s family business, or involvement with a juvenile gang.
The killing comes amid a backdrop of escalating violence against minorities in Bangladesh. Since the ousting of the Awami League government, over 2,000 attacks on minority communities have been reported. However, the government has consistently labeled these incidents as political rather than communal.
As investigations continue, questions about justice for Arnab Kumar Sarker remain unanswered. Authorities have promised to pursue all leads to resolve the case.