A Jessore district unit BCL leader was shot dead by criminals at Golgolla More of Bejpara of the town late Saturday night.

The deceased was identified as Monwar Hossain Emon, 32, son of Anower Hossain Imon, a former vice-president of Jessore District BCL.

Ajmol Huda, officer-in-charge of Jessore Kotwali Police Station, said Emon was with his friends who were playing a game of Ludu at Golgolla More around midnight when the shooting occurred. Two or three bike-riding criminals went past them firing bullets at Emon.

Locals rushed him to Jessore Medical College Hospital where doctors declared him dead.

Kajol Mallick, medical officer of Jessore Medical College Hospital said the BCL leader was hit by three bullets in his chest.

Locals said Emon had been protesting against drug peddling in the area and was also active in the community policing committee. He had received threats on his life earlier.

Emon's body was sent to Jessore Medical College morgue for an autopsy. 

Locals brought out a procession in Jessore town carrying his coffin.