A van driver was hacked to death following an alleged long-standing dispute in Bakerganj upazila of Barishal on Thursday night.
The deceased was identified as Sumon Sikdar, 38, son of late Adam Ali Sikdar of Kalerkathi village under Kabai union.
Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Bakerganj Police Station Adil Hossain said the incident occurred around 8pm in the village.
Victim's mother Monwara Begum said an argument and scuffle broke out between Sumon and local Jubo Dal activist Regan Howlader in front of their house in the evening over previous enmity.
At one stage, Regan, along with Mona Talukdar and 8-10 others, allegedly attacked Sumon with sharp weapons, leaving him critically injured.
The attackers allegedly threw Sumon into a nearby pond, believing him to be dead, and fled the scene, she said.
On information, police went to the spot, rescued Sumon from the pond and took him to Bakerganj Upazila Health Complex, where an on-duty doctor declared him dead.
Sumon's son Tanvir Sikdar alleged that his father had a long-standing dispute with retired police officer Mona Talukdar over a family matter, which might have led to the killing.
OC Adil Hossain said police were investigating the incident and efforts were underway to arrest those involved.