2 accused secure HC bail in Chattogram double murder case

Two absconding suspects—known to be associated with the "Boro Sajjad" group—in a Chattogram double murder case have secured six weeks' high court bail before police could arrest them, with authorities learning of the order days later.

The accused are Mobarak Hossain, also known as Emon, and Borhan Uddin. Police have failed to arrest the two despite a prolonged manhunt.

While remaining on the run, they appeared before the High Court and secured six weeks' bail in February.

Police became aware of the development only after a copy of the order reached Bakalia Police Station four days ago. Quarters concerned view the granting of bail to the two alleged "criminals" as a lapse in police intelligence surveillance.

According to police sources, the two accused obtained bail from the High Court on 1 February. However, the copy of the order reached the concerned police station nearly two months later, on 29 March, after which the matter was confirmed by law enforcement.

Chattogram Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner (South) Hossain Mohammad Kabir Bhuiyan told The Business Standard, "We have continued our efforts to arrest them. Meanwhile, they have secured bail from the court. The matter has been communicated to the state through the higher authorities."

Mobarak and Borhan, members of the "Boro Sajjad" group, are known as close associates of Sajjad Ali, an alleged criminal currently residing abroad facing multiple allegations, including extortion, armed attacks, and murder.

Double murder On the night of 30 March 2025, unidentified assailants opened indiscriminate fire at a car on Bakalia Access Road in the city, killing Bakhtiar Hossain and Md Abdullah.

They were followers of another alleged criminal, Sarwar Hossain, also known as Bablah. Although Sarwar survived the attack, he was later shot dead on 5 November of the same year.

Investigators say the attack stemmed from disputes over control of textile scrap businesses and local dominance.

Law enforcement sources further state that Mobarak and Borhan are implicated not only in the double murder but also in several other killings and extortion cases in Chattogram and surrounding areas, including the murder of Akbar Ali, known as "Dhakaiya Akbar."

Additionally, recent violence linked to extortion demands from businessmen, including two shooting incidents at the residence of Smart Group Chairman Mostafizur Rahman Chowdhury in January and February, is under investigation.

The fact that the accused managed to obtain bail while remaining fugitives has raised questions about the effectiveness of police intelligence operations.

Chattogram District Bar Association President Abdus Sattar said, "It is the responsibility of the police to arrest criminals. Since they have obtained bail, the state can now address the matter through legal means."

Chattogram Metropolitan Sessions Judge Court Public Prosecutor Mofizul Haque Bhuiyan said, "The state is treating the matter with due importance. Necessary legal steps will be taken."