A Bangladeshi businessman was shot dead by armed robbers in South Africa last night.

The deceased was identified as Kamrul Islam, 33, son of the late Abdul Mannan Miah of West of Karmullahpur village in Yakubpur Union under Daganbhuiyan upazila of Feni district.

The incident occurred around 9:00pm (local time) in Vepener, a town in the Free State Province of South Africa, said Kamruzzaman, elder brother of Kamrul while talking to reporters.

Kamruzzaman said his brother Kamrul moved to South Africa 12 years ago and initially did a job before starting his own business. He was planning to return to Bangladesh after Eid for his wedding.

Quoting relatives in South Africa, the victim's brother said two Black robbers stormed into Kamrul's shop around 9:00pm (South Africa time) while he was closing up. The assailants looted cash and valuables from the store before forcing Kamrul outside.

They then shot him in the left side of his chest, leaving him dead on the spot.

Kamruzzaman also said they are in touch with their relatives in South Africa, and preparations are underway to bring his body back home.

He also sought the government's cooperation in this regard.

Daganbhuiyan Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) SM Azharul Islam said he is aware of the incident and that efforts are being made to contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the matter.