A shooting inside a mosque in southwestern Bangladesh left one businessman critically injured and another man wounded early Sunday, prompting an investigation into whether the attack was linked to a business dispute.
The attack occurred around 5 a.m. shortly after Fajr prayers at the Jame Masjid of the West Zone Power Distribution Company on BL College Road in Daulatpur, Khulna, police said.
The victims were identified as Lokman Hakim and Shah Alam Sheikh. Hakim suffered critical injuries and was transferred to Dhaka for advanced treatment, while Sheikh was admitted to Khulna Medical College Hospital.
According to police, CCTV footage shows the attackers arrived on a motorcycle and waited outside the mosque before entering and opening fire.
Assistant police commissioner of Daulatpur zone said investigators believe the assailants may have initially planned to attack their target outside the mosque.
“CCTV footage showed that they were pacing in front. Their target might have been to take action after he exited the mosque, but when they saw he wasn’t coming out and was staying inside, they went into the mosque and the shooting incident happened,” the officer said.
A worshipper familiar with Hakim said he regularly attended prayers at the mosque and often remained there after others had left.
“He always prays five times a day in this mosque, and even after we leave the mosque, he often stays inside for a long time,” the worshipper said.
Police collected five to six CCTV recordings from the surrounding area and are examining the footage as part of the investigation.
Authorities suspect the attack may have stemmed from a business-related dispute, as Hakim is a businessman and contractor.
“Since he is a businessman and a contractor, he might have many associations and severe enmities,” the police officer said. “We will try to find out by talking to his family members or friends if there was any enmity or issues related to business transactions.”
No arrests were immediately reported. Police said the investigation is ongoing.