At least 36 people have been killed in Khulna city during the period between January and December in 2025. Police have identified different motives behind these killings, but they have yet to solve the mystery of 13 murders.
Khulna Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner (Media) TM Rokanuzzaman said that 36 cases were filed over murder incidents from January 1 to December 22. He said Khulna’s criminal underworld has developed into several sub-groups, including Palash bahini, Grenade Babu bahini, Nur Azim bahini, and separate extremist factions led by Huma, Armin, and Nasim. After their release from the jail, Nasim and Armin have reactivated their criminal activities.
The much-talked-about murder of the year was the killing of two top criminals—Hasib Howlader and Fazle Rabbi Rajon—in front of Khulna District and Sessions Judge Court. Police are investigating the incident that occurred on November 30. No case has been filed by victims’ families, and the mystery of the murder has not yet been uncovered. Although police showed one person arrested in connection with the case, it has sparked controversy. At the same time, RAB-6 arrested another person, claiming that he was one of the accused.
Just two days after two top extremist leaders—Nasimul Gani alias Nasim and Arman Sheikh alias Armin—were released from Khulna Central Jail, the double murder took place. Both were accused in the murder case of criminal “Tiger Khokon.” Since the incident, they have gone into hiding. Their release has intensified instability in the criminal world. Currently, seven major gangs are active in the city. Police fear that rival extremist and criminal groups may carry out more attacks as part of their struggle for dominance.
A senior KMP official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that during the double murder incident in the court area, the police on duty had only batons—not firearms—making it impossible for them to intervene, while the criminals were armed with advanced weapons.
According to police, the notorious gang leader Rony Chowdhury Babu alias Grenade Babu was involved in the double murder. Recently, clashes occurred inside Khulna jail between supporters of Babu and Palash. The victims were in jail at that time and took part in the clash. The attack may have been carried out as revenge.
RAB-6 Commanding Officer Lt. Colonel Nistar Ahmed said that a seven-member team was involved in the double murder mission. The arrested person, Ejazul, was the main member of the attacking group. Immediately after the incident, a RAB-6 team visited the scene, collected evidence, and gathered CCTV footage. On December 17, one accused involved in the murder was arrested from Aichgati area adjacent to Khulna city. The arrested was identified as Ejazul Hossain, son of Faruk Hossain of Aichgati in Rupsha upazila. He confessed to his involvement in the murder.
Earlier, on January 24, criminals shot and hacked Arnab Kumar Shil to death at Tetultala intersection in Sheikhpara area of the city. Police detained three of Arnab’s friends from different areas. Later, Arnab’s father Nitish Kumar filed a case against 20 to 25 unidentified individuals.
After investigation, police uncovered the mystery, stating that Arnab was killed by mistake due to a drug-related dispute. The attackers had actually intended to shoot Kala Lavlu. In this case, 14 people were arrested, and among them, 2 gave confessional statements in court.
