An activist of banned Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) was hacked to death by unidentified assailants on Shilashi Mazar Road in Gafargaon upazila of Mymensingh while returning home after celebrating his birthday with friends early Tuesday.

The deceased was identified as Nahian Robin, 27, son of Mofazzal Hossain of Shilashi village under Gafargaon municipality. He was affiliated with a faction of BCL led by local Jubo League leader Tajmul.

According to police and local sources, Robin, the only son of his parents, celebrated his birthday with friends on Monday night. After the celebration, he was returning home on a motorcycle with a friend around 12:45 am.

When they reached Shilashi Mazar Road area, a group of five to six masked assailants, who had reportedly been lying in wait, intercepted the motorcycle and  hacked Robin, leaving him critically injured before fleeing the scene.

Locals rescued him and took him first to Gafargaon Upazila Health Complex and later to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital where doctors declared him dead.

Gafargaon Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Atikur Rahman said a Chhatra League activist named Rajib was detained in connection with the murder.

“We believe the killing was linked to an internal dispute within Chhatra League. Necessary legal steps are being taken,” the OC said.