Bangladesh’s religious extremists have been blamed for the killing of Manjurul Islam Liton, a ruling Awami League Member of Parliament who was shot dead in northern Gaibandha district on Saturday .
Mr. Liton was shot at by several unknown attackers at his home in Sundargonj on Saturday evening. He was rushed to the Rangpur Medical College Hospital where doctors declared him dead. Police could not immediately give any specific reason behind the attack.
‘Premeditated murder’
However, the ruling party General Secretary Obaidul Quader blamed religious extremists for the murder. “The attack was planned to coincide with New Year’s celebrations, coming just as Bangladeshis were beginning to celebrate,” Mr. Quader said, adding the killing of the MP was a “pre-meditated murder”. He also said that the state will ensure that those responsible will pay a high price for the crime.
Mr. Liton’s family members said that three men riding on a motorbike came to their house on Saturday evening. He was shot at twice in the chest and once in the arm.
Condemning the killing, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has asked the law enforcement agencies to bring the killers to book.
Protests in district
Leaders and activists of local units of the ruling party also demonstrated in northern Gaibandha and Sundarganj upazila, blocking the railway lines demanding the attackers’ arrest.
Mr. Liton had earlier drawn widespread flak after he allegedly shot a 10-year-old boy in Gaibandha on October 2, last year. He was arrested but later granted bail.
Mr. Liton is the second incumbent MP killed by gunmen after the 2005 murder of top Awami League leader and ex-Finance Minister Shah AMS Kibria in northeastern Habiganj.
