A local leader of Jubo Dal was allegedly killed and another critically injured in a violent clash between rival groups over dominance and drug-related activities in Pabna Sadar upazila on Saturday night.
The dead was identified as Mehdi Masud Pavel Molla, 40, of Islampur village of the upazila. He was a joint general secretary of Goyespur union unit of Jubo Dal. His cousin, Imran Sajib Molla, 25, son of Abdur Sabur Molla, sustained serious injuries and was later transferred to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital for treatment.
According to police and local sources, the clash stemmed from a long-standing conflict between Pavel’s group and their rivals — identified as Jony, Jewel, Nazrul, Mufiz Uddin, and others — centering on drug peddling and establishing territorial control, UNB reports. The confrontation broke out around 10:30 pm near Islampur Bridge, where members of both groups engaged in a fight. Pavel and Imran were attacked with sharp weapons, leaving both critically wounded. Locals rushed the two victims to Pabna General Hospital, where doctors declared Pavel dead on arrival.
Officer-in-Charge of Pabna Sadar Police Station Abdur Salam confirmed the incident, saying that Pavel’s body has been sent to the hospital morgue for autopsy. Investigations are underway, and police are working to identify and apprehend the attackers.
