Janajuddho cadres Miraz Uddin and Abdul Quddus, both of Shrirampur village in the aforesaid upazila, were shot dead by their rival Gono Mukti Fouz (GMF) cadres at a field. They dead were also listed criminals, police said.

Earlier, the two were picked up from a shop at gunpoint at about 10.30:pm on Saturday, local people said.

After the killing, Shimul Biswas identifying himself the general secretary of GMF claimed responsibility for the killing to local journalists over telephone.

As a reason of the murder, Shimul said the Janajuddho cadres killed Awami League (AL) activist Korban Ali on May 21 for not paying toll to them. They were involved in various crimes including rape and abduction in the area, Shimul said. He also faxed a letter to local daily newspapers claiming responsibility of the murder.

Local people found the bodies yesterday morning and informed the matter to police. Police sent those to Kushtia General Hospital for autopsy after recovery.