A former leader of Sramik Dal, BNP’s labour wing, was shot dead by some miscreants  at Dakbangla intersection in Khulna city on Wednesday night.

The deceased was identified as Masum Billah, 55, former president of Rupsha Upazila Sramik Dal and former president of Rupsha–Bagerhat inter-district road transport workers’ union.

Police arrested a suspect, identified as Ashok Ghosh, from the spot along with a foreign-made pistol.

According to police and witnesses, Masum Billah was standing at  Dakbangla intersection when a group of miscreants opened fire on him.

The attackers  hacked him with sharp weapons, leaving him critically injured and fled the scene.

Locals rushed him to Khulna Medical College Hospital where the on-duty doctor declared him dead.

Khulna Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner (South) Tajul Islam said around six to seven assailants took part in what appeared to be a contract killing.

“They came with a plan to kill Masum Billah. After shooting and attacking him with sharp weapons, they fled,” he said.

A traffic inspector noticed one of the suspects, Ashok Ghosh, carrying a pistol at his waist while attempting to escape.

With the help of local people, police managed to detain him from the spot and recovered a foreign-made pistol and bullets from his possession.

Police said efforts are underway to arrest the remaining suspects.