A freedom fighter was shot dead by two unidentified criminals in Ishwardi upazila of Pabna yesterday.

The victim is 70-year-old Mostafizur Rahman Selim, of Rooppur village in the upazila's Pakshey union. He was also a former secretary of Pakshey union Awami League.

Quoting locals, Md Bahauddin Faruki, officer-in-charge of Ishwardi Police Station, said the criminals opened fire on Selim around 9:00pm when he was returning home from a local market.

He was rushed to Ishwardi Upazila Health Complex after the attack. Finding his condition critical, doctors referred him to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital.

Selim died on the way to RMCH, the OC said, adding, “Reason behind the murder is still not clear.”

Police are investigating the incident, he said.

Ishwardi municipality mayor Abul Kalam Azad said Selim was vocal against corruption and irregularities. He also demanded capital punishment for the killers.