File photo of Suresh Kanti Tongchanga Dhaka Tribune

Earlier on Monday, seven people, including two election officials and four Ansar and VDP members, were shot dead and at least 26 others injured in a gunfight

Belaichari upazila Awami League President, Suresh Kanti Tongchanga, has been shot dead in Rangamati.

Unidentified assailants attacked Suresh and his family’s boat in the Alikhong area, as they headed for Belaichari Sadar around 8:30am on Tuesday.

According to the victim’s son, Nirupom Tongchanga, Suresh was kidnapped from the boat at gunpoint by three unidentified assailants.

They took Suresh up a hill, shot him dead and fled the scene, he added.

Suresh received critical injuries in the attack and died on the way to Belaichari Upazila Health Complex.

Confirming the matter, Belaichari police station OC, Parvez Ali, said they are currently investigating the incident to identify the assailants.

Also Read- Seven, including two polling officials, shot dead in Rangamati

Suresh's body is at Rangamati Sadar Hospital for autopsy, he added.

Belaichari police station Sub Inspector, Md Saifullah, told reporters that a preliminary post mortem report, reported bruises on the stomach and above the left eye area.

District Awami League General Secretary, Hazi Musa Mattabbor, said that armed goons of Jana Samhati Samity (JSS) and the United People's Democratic Front (UPDF) are responsible for the attack.

“Violence between the ethnic community-based political groups in the hill districts has gone up dramatically,” he added.

Earlier on Monday, seven people, including two election officials and four Ansar and VDP members, were shot dead and at least 26 others injured in a gunfight in Rangamati.