Two alleged top criminals—Hasib Howlader (40) and Fazle Rabbi Rajon (35)—were killed in a violent attack in front of the main gate of the Khulna District and Sessions Judge’s Court on Sunday afternoon. Both were known members of the notorious Palash Group, while police suspect that the attack was carried out by rival Grenade Babu Group.
The attack occurred around 12:30pm, senior police officials confirmed. Law enforcers recovered an unexploded bullet, another spent round, and an FZ motorcycle from the scene, which was immediately cordoned off. The incident triggered panic across the entire court area, forcing lawyers and visitors to flee to safety.
Attack in Broad Daylight
According to police and eyewitnesses, Hasib and Rajon had appeared before the court earlier in the day in connection with a firearms case filed with Sonadanga Police Station. After attending the hearing, they were sitting on a numberless FZ motorcycle in front of the main gate on KD Ghosh Road when the assailants struck.
Witnesses said 4–5 motorcycles carrying six youths approached from the south side of the Circuit House. Four of them were armed. They surrounded the two men and fired several shots at close range, aiming directly at their heads. When the victims collapsed, two of the attackers repeatedly hacked them with sharp weapons.
Hasib died on the spot, while Rajon was rushed to Khulna Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
One witness also reported seeing a black microbus parked in front of the DIG (Range) residence. After the attack, the microbus left the scene along with the motorcycles and was last seen heading toward the Customs Ghat area.
Victims Taken Away by Associates
Sources said Hasib’s associates took his body directly to his home instead of the hospital. It was later sent to Khulna Medical College Hospital for autopsy.
Both men had multiple cases against them, including murder. They had been arrested in a joint forces operation on 30 March alongside top criminal Palash, but were later released on bail.
Police Statement
SI Abdul Hai of Khulna Police said both victims sustained gunshots to the head. “Hasib died on the spot. Rajon was taken to two hospitals before being declared dead,” he said.
Khulna Police OC Shafiqul Islam confirmed that evidence had been collected from the scene and the area secured. Teams from CID, DB, PIB and intelligence agencies have inspected the site.
The deceased were identified as Hasib Howlader of New Bazar Launch Ghat area and Fazle Rabbi Rajon of Bagmara’s Abdur Rab Mor.
Gang Rivalry Suspected
Khulna Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner (Media & CPC) T.M. Rokonuzzaman said both victims were active members of the Palash Group. “We are not ruling out the involvement of the Grenade Babu Group in the double murder. The attack may have been motivated by a turf war.”
Hospital Confirmation
Dr Shamim Hasan, Residential Medical Officer at Khulna Medical College Hospital, said both victims had gunshot wounds and multiple stab injuries. The bodies will be handed over to their families after post-mortem examinations.
