Once known as a peaceful city, Khulna is now facing growing public concern over personal safety. Open shootings, killings, extortion, drug trafficking and clashes over territorial control by criminal groups have created fear across the city. Business owners, property owners, government officials and ordinary pedestrians no longer feel entirely safe. Reports have emerged of people being threatened with death for refusing to pay extortion money, while those who agree to pay are sent packets of sweets at their homes.
Recent developments in Khulna suggest that crime is no longer confined to isolated robberies or personal disputes. The activities of organised criminal groups, driven by drug trafficking, illegal firearms, extortion and attempts to establish territorial dominance, have made the situation increasingly complex.
71 Killed in 10 Months, 23 Shot Dead
According to police data, 71 people were killed in Khulna city and district between January 1 and October 23, 2026. A total of 69 murder cases were filed during the period. Of those killed, 23 died from gunshot wounds.
Within the jurisdiction of Khulna Metropolitan Police, 36 people were killed in 34 murder cases. In areas under district police jurisdiction, another 35 people were killed in 35 cases. This indicates that security concerns extend beyond the metropolitan area to the wider Khulna region.
Two killings within just 15 hours on October 22 highlighted the severity of the situation. Tawhidul Islam was shot dead in the Purba Baniakharmar area in the morning. That evening, Khushi Akter was shot dead in Jinnahpara. Police investigations have indicated possible links between the two incidents and disputes involving drug trafficking and criminal groups.
Multiple Gangs in the Criminal Underworld
The names of at least nine criminal groups have emerged in connection with various incidents in Khulna. They include B-Company, Palash Group, Nur Azim Group, Ashik Bahini, Huma Bahini, Tengki Shawon Group, Arman Group, Shakil Group and Nasim Group.
According to allegations, these groups operate across Khulna Sadar, Labanchara, Harintana, Sonadanga, Khalishpur, Daulatpur and Khan Jahan Ali. Disputes over drug trafficking, extortion and local dominance have reportedly fuelled rivalries among them, sometimes leading to clashes and killings.
However, the appearance of a person’s name in connection with a crime does not establish guilt. The outcome of investigations and judicial proceedings remains essential in determining the facts.
New Extortion Tactics and the Mysterious ‘Nawab’
B-Company and a figure known as ‘Nawab’ have become prominent names in discussions about Khulna’s criminal underworld. Allegations suggest that agents are identifying homeowners and businesspeople in neighbourhoods and demanding extortion payments from them.
In particular, owners of multi-storey buildings in Wards 30 and 31 have reportedly been targeted. Some local residents claim that when a homeowner agrees to pay, a packet of sweets is delivered to the property. Those who refuse are allegedly subjected to threatening phone calls, surveillance and threats of murder.
There are also allegations that members of other criminal groups are demanding money in different areas by using the name of B-Company. This makes it all the more important to identify the actual perpetrators and verify the allegations.
Extortion allegations are not limited to homeowners in the city. On October 27, police detained two suspects over an incident in Paikgachha in which Ahsanara Binte Ahmed, the Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer, and the president and general secretary of the Paikgachha Bar Association were allegedly threatened with death over demands for money. The suspects reportedly identified themselves as being associated with B-Company.
Illegal Firearms and Police Operations
The easy availability of illegal firearms has made the situation even more dangerous. Detective police estimate that at least 300 illegal firearms may be circulating in Khulna metropolitan area. Between January and September 2026, authorities reportedly recovered 50 firearms and 233 rounds of ammunition in the city.
Meanwhile, district police arrested 255 people during an eight-day special operation from October 6 to 13. During the operation, they recovered 688 yaba pills, 5.905 kilograms of cannabis, 20 litres of locally produced liquor, one pistol, a magazine and two rounds of ammunition.
Joint special operations have also been conducted in Rupsa, Dighalia, Terokhada and Batiaghata. According to the district police superintendent, a significant proportion of targeted killings are linked to disputes involving drugs. Police also believe that the region’s river-bound geography allows criminals to escape quickly from one area to another.
Breaking Criminal Networks, Not Just Conducting Raids
The situation in Khulna makes one point clear: arrests and temporary crackdowns alone are unlikely to contain the spread of organised crime. Authorities need to identify the supply chains for drugs and illegal firearms, the flow of extortion money, those who provide shelter to criminals and the networks of associates operating across different areas.
Allegations that suspects have become involved in new crimes after securing bail must also be investigated promptly. Progress in investigations and judicial proceedings is essential to prevent repeat offences. Equally important is restoring public confidence so that people can report crimes to the police without fear.
Residents of Khulna expect criminal groups to lose their ability to exert influence over the city’s security. People should not have to pay extortion money to walk the streets at night, run a business or live in their own homes. The true measure of improved law and order will not simply be the number of criminals arrested, but whether ordinary people can live safely and without fear.
