Ripon Kazi, 35, president of the Gulishakhali Union unit of the Labour Party in Amtali upazila of Barguna, was hacked to death late Tuesday night near Faruk Doctor’s house in Gagan Kha area of Patuakhali Sadar upazila. Police said the killing stemmed from a long-standing family and political dispute. Ripon’s father, Mizanur alias Bhutto Kazi, has been accused of leading the attack.

Family members claimed that Ripon had long opposed his father’s multiple marriages, which caused ongoing tension between them. He also had a political rivalry with his cousin Rifat Kazi, president of the local Chhatra Dal unit. Ripon’s younger brother Sabbir Kazi alleged that their father, cousin, and associates planned the murder. Eyewitness Rajib Kazi said several attackers stopped their motorcycle and assaulted Ripon with sharp weapons before locals took him to Patuakhali Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

Two suspects, Mostafa Kazi and Firoz Kazi, were detained by locals and handed over to police. Authorities recovered a mobile phone believed to belong to Mizanur Kazi. Police said a case is being processed and legal action will follow after investigation.