An activist of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) was shot dead, and two others were injured when unidentified gunmen opened fire in the Madunaghat area in Chattogram on Tuesday.

The deceased was identified as Abdul Hakim, 65, owner of Hamim Agro and a resident of Panchkhain village under Bagowan union of Raozan upazila.

He was known to be a follower of suspended BNP Vice Chairman Giasuddin Quader Chowdhury.

Witnesses said the incident occurred around 6:00pm when Hakim and his companions were travelling from Raozan to Chattogram city by a private car.

Locals rescued the injured and took Hakim to the Evercare Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

The two others were admitted to Chittagong Medical College and Hospital (CMCH).

Local sources said the victims were supporters of Giasuddin Quader Chowdhury, while the attackers are alleged to be followers of BNP Chairperson’s Adviser Golam Akbar Khondker.

Police, however, said they were still verifying the attackers’ identities.

Raozan Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC)Monirul Islam Bhuiyan said, “We have sent a team to the scene after receiving reports of gunfire. Details will be known once the investigation progresses.”

Earlier in July, at least 20 people were injured in a clash between the factions loyal to Gias Quader and Golam Akbar in Sattarhat area on the Chattogram–Rangamati road.

Golam Akbar himself suffered pellet injuries during that violence, after which the BNP central leadership dissolved its Chattogram North unit and suspended Gias Quader from his post.