Construction businessman stabbed dead

A man was stabbed to death by some unidentified people yesterday on Sonadanga Majid Sarani Road of Khulna city.

The deceased was identified as Mohidul Islam, 27, son of Sawkat Hossain of Jalma village under Batiaghata upazila. Mohidul was involved in construction and land-related business.

The murder happened in front of the Suzuki showroom on Majid Sarani.

Quoting locals, Md Momtazul Haq, officer-in-charge of Sonadanga Police Station, told The Daily Star that four people -- including Mohidul -- came to the showroom at around 4pm. 

“Three people went inside the showroom. Mohidul stayed outside. Some unidentified individuals attacked Mohidul with sharp weapons and left the scene,” said OC Momtazul.

“The three individuals Mohidul arrived with, came out and saw him lying in a pool of blood, he added.

Maruf Sheikh, a friend and business partner of Mohidul, told The Daily Star that all three who were in the showroom during the attack were victim’s friends.

But he was reluctant to reveal their identity. “Mohidul was often seen with the three,” he added.

A salesman at the showroom said they were busy with clients and did not see the attack taking place.

Locals claim that Mohidul’s cousin, SM Hafizur Rahman, is an influential leader of Khulna Jubo league who dominates Sonadanga and Gallamary area, and both were involved in land-grabbing and extortion. 

Sheikh Moniruzzaman Mithu, additional deputy commissioner (media) of Khulna Metropolitan Police (KMP), told The Daily Star that Mohidul was stabbed in the abdomen and neck with a sharp knife.    

“The body was sent to Khulna Medical College Hospital for autopsy,” said Moniruzzaman Mithu.