Jubodal Leader Gunned Down in Khulna: Police Suspect Power Struggle and Political Conflict Behind Murder

Police are investigating multiple angles surrounding the murder of Mahbubur Rahman Molla, former vice-president of the Youth Dal (Jubo Dal) of Khulna’s Daulatpur police station. Law enforcement claims the perpetrators have been primarily identified, and one individual has already been arrested. The victim’s father, Abdul Karim Molla, filed a murder case with the police on Saturday, 24 hours after the incident.

According to several police sources, preliminary evidence and information have led to the identification of suspects, although the exact motive remains unclear. Abu Rayhan Muhammad Saleh, Additional Commissioner of Khulna Metropolitan Police (KMP), stated that the case is under investigation and further details cannot be disclosed at this time. He mentioned that three assailants arrived on a motorcycle, shot Mahbubur, and severed the tendons in both his legs. One attacker was wearing a helmet. CCTV footage from the area has been collected.

The incident occurred last Friday afternoon while Mahbubur was washing his private car in front of his house in West Maheshwarpasha, Daulatpur, Khulna. At that time, the attackers arrived and brutally murdered him. Locals rushed him to Khulna Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

Police, locals, and political sources suggest that the murder may be linked to territorial control, internal party conflict, drug trade, extortion, and ties to extremist groups. A shadow investigator involved in the case noted that all these factors are being considered.

Sources also revealed that after the fall of the previous government, Mahbub became involved in local land grabbing, illegal real estate transactions, and syndicate control. He was known to be close to a powerful BNP leader and was also related to an extremist leader, which gave him significant influence in the area. He had rivalries with several criminal groups due to disputes over territorial dominance, drug trade interference, and extortion, making him a target for many. He was also on the police watchlist for potentially disrupting law and order. The car he used was reportedly purchased at a low price from a leader of the ruling party’s youth wing.

Mahbub’s father stated that his son was outspoken against injustice and would protest if anyone demanded extortion money. He believes that several local criminal groups were involved in the killing.

Mahbub’s wife, Erin Sultana, said her husband took part in a KUET-related incident under party orders, not personal interest. Following a clash during a Youth Dal meeting in Maniktala, Mahbub’s friend Zakir filed a case, after which Mahbub began receiving regular threats—though he never disclosed who was threatening him. She now fears for her safety.

Azad Beg, Mahbub’s father-in-law and former publicity secretary of the Metropolitan Workers Party, said that Mahbub stood by the Chhatra Dal during a clash with Islami Chhatra Shibir at the KUET campus and also filed a case against Awami League members following the vandalism of the party office on August 5. Moreover, after his friend Zakir filed a case regarding the Maniktala incident, the accused began threatening Mahbub.

Sources further stated that Mahbub supported his relative Arman in a legal case, which sparked a conflict with the Huma group. One of Mahbub’s close political associates claimed that the Huma group suspected Mahbub of betraying them to the police. Despite Mahbub’s repeated denials, saying it was a misunderstanding, the group allegedly planned his murder from prison.

Daulatpur police station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mir Atahar Ali said the investigation is proceeding based on possible motives. So far, one individual named Sajal has been arrested for providing the killers with information about Mahbub’s location. The OC added that the suspects have been mostly identified and that the police are confident they will soon arrest the killers and uncover the full truth behind the murder.