PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — A Bangladeshi immigrant working as a food delivery driver was shot and killed while making a delivery in Southwest Philadelphia on Tuesday night, prompting a homicide investigation and renewed concerns about the safety of gig economy workers.
The victim, identified by authorities as MD Mahfuzul Haque, 43, was delivering food in the city’s Kingsessing neighborhood at approximately 9:30 p.m. when he was attacked. According to the Philadelphia Police Department, officers responded to reports of gunfire and found Haque inside his vehicle with a gunshot wound to the back of his head. His vehicle was still running, and a food delivery bag remained inside. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead.
Investigators recovered two spent rifle shell casings at the scene and have described the shooting as a possible targeted attack. Police said surveillance footage and witness information indicate that three masked individuals may have been involved. No arrests have been made, and the motive for the killing remains under investigation.
In a troubling development, investigators said the address where Haque had reportedly been sent to deliver food had not actually placed a DoorDash order, raising the possibility that the victim may have been lured to the location. Authorities have not yet determined whether the attack was a robbery, a case of mistaken identity, or another type of targeted crime.
Haque, originally from Bangladesh, had been living in Philadelphia and was working as a delivery driver to support his family. Members of the local Bangladeshi community said he was previously employed at a Middle Eastern restaurant before taking up food delivery work. Community members also said he is survived by his wife and a 14-year-old child. These personal details have been shared by community sources but have not yet been officially confirmed by police.
The fatal shooting has sent shockwaves through Philadelphia’s Bangladeshi community, with friends, relatives, and community leaders expressing grief over the loss of a hardworking immigrant who came to the United States seeking a better future.
Police are urging anyone with information about the shooting or the suspects to contact the Philadelphia Police Department’s Homicide Unit or submit anonymous tips through the city’s crime tip hotline. Detectives continue to review surveillance footage and collect evidence as they work to identify those responsible.
The case remains under active investigation, and authorities have pledged to pursue all available leads to bring those responsible to justice.
