A journalist was shot dead and a veterinary doctor critically injured in a gun attack in Khulna’s Dumuria upazila on Thursday, police said, in an incident that has shaken the local community and raised renewed concerns over public safety and the security of media workers in Bangladesh.
The victim was identified as Imdadul Haque Milon, 45, a journalist associated with the online news portal Bortoman Shomoy (বর্তমান সময়). He was also serving as president of the Shalua Press Club and general secretary of the Shalua Bazar Traders’ Association.
The injured man was identified as Debashish Biswas, 30, a local veterinary doctor, who sustained a gunshot wound to the head and is currently undergoing treatment at Khulna Medical College Hospital.
Attack at Shalua Bazar Tea Stall
According to police, the shooting took place at around 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at Shalua Bazar under the jurisdiction of Aronghata Police Station in Dumuria upazila.
Officer-in-Charge Shahjahan Ahmed said Milon was sitting at a tea stall in the market area, having tea, when the attackers struck.
“Two motorcycles carrying four assailants arrived suddenly and opened fire,” the officer said. “After shooting, they fled the scene immediately.”
Eyewitness Accounts Describe Close-Range Shooting
Local traders and eyewitnesses said the attackers first fired indiscriminately. One of the bullets struck Debashish Biswas in the head. As he attempted to move away, the attackers reportedly entered the tea stall.
Witnesses said the assailants then held a gun to Imdadul Haque Milon’s head and fired multiple shots at close range, before fleeing the area.
The entire attack unfolded within moments in a busy market area, causing panic among bystanders.
Victims Taken to Hospital
After the attackers fled, local residents rushed both men to Khulna Medical College Hospital.
Doctors there declared Imdadul Haque Milon dead on arrival.
Debashish Biswas was admitted to the hospital’s surgery department, where doctors said his condition remains serious.
Hospital officials confirmed that Biswas sustained a head injury caused by gunfire and is receiving intensive medical care.
Police and RAB Visit Crime Scene
Following the incident, senior officials from the Khulna Metropolitan Police (KMP) and members of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) visited the scene.
Police recovered multiple spent bullet casings from the area and cordoned off the site for forensic examination.
KMP Deputy Commissioner (North) Sudarshan Kumar Roy confirmed the incident and said investigative work was underway.
“One person has been killed and another injured in the shooting,” he said. “Evidence has been collected from the scene. We are working to identify and arrest those responsible. Further details will be shared later.”
Attackers Yet to Be Identified
Police said the identities of the attackers and the motive behind the killing have not yet been determined.
Officer-in-Charge Shahjahan Ahmed said a search operation is ongoing and multiple teams have been deployed to track down the suspects.
“We have not identified the assailants yet,” he said. “Operations are continuing to bring them under the law.”
Background of the Slain Journalist
Imdadul Haque Milon lived on Shalua Mandir Road in Dumuria. His father’s name is Bajlur Rahman Sheikh.
In addition to his work as a journalist, Milon was actively involved in local civic and business activities. Residents described him as a familiar and outspoken figure who regularly reported on issues affecting the local community.
His killing has sparked fear and anger among journalists, traders, and residents in the area.
Community Shock and Press Safety Concerns
The shooting has left Shalua Bazar tense and shaken. Local residents said the killing of a journalist in a crowded market area has made people fear for their own safety.
Media professionals say the incident underscores growing risks faced by journalists working at the local level, especially outside Dhaka.
Journalist organizations and civil society members have demanded a swift, transparent investigation and the arrest of all those involved, warning that failure to ensure justice could encourage further violence.
Law and Order Under Scrutiny
The killing adds to broader concerns about law and order, particularly in district towns where attacks often go unsolved. The incident has also reignited debate about the safety of journalists and ordinary citizens alike.
Police said patrols in the area have been increased following the shooting.
As Bangladesh approaches a national election scheduled for early 2026, observers warn that continued violence and insecurity could further shrink the space for independent journalism and public discourse.
For now, the investigation continues, while Khulna mourns the death of a journalist and prays for the recovery of a critically injured doctor.
