An Awami League leader, Shafiqul Islam Azam, aged 52, was critically wounded in Mirpur upazila of Kushtia district, Bangladesh. The incident took place at Sadarpur Bazar in Amla Union on Sunday evening. Shafiqul was shot by unidentified assailants outside his business establishment before they fled the scene.
Reports indicate that locals rescued Shafiqul in a critical state and rushed him to Kushtia General Hospital. He sustained gunshot wounds to his right eye, left jaw, and upper abdomen. The Resident Medical Officer stated that his condition is critical due to potential damage to blood vessels from the abdominal injury.
Shafiqul has been referred to Dhaka for advanced medical treatment. Police recovered three live bullets, a magazine, and a motorcycle from the scene. The Assistant Superintendent of Police in Mirpur Circle mentioned that the incident is currently under investigation.
This incident is part of a series of attacks on Awami League leaders and activists in Bangladesh. The party has expressed concerns over the increasing custodial deaths of its members, citing violations of fundamental rights and the rule of law. The ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has been accused of using state machinery for repression and political vendettas.
