4 arrested over killing of BNP activist in Raozan; 2 criminal gangs involved, police say
The arrestees were identified as Md Abdullah Khokon, Md Maruf, Md Saklain Hossain and Ziaur Rahman, according to a Bangladesh Police statement issued today (6 November).
Police have arrested four people over the killing of BNP activist and local businessman Abdul Hakim, who was shot dead by hired gunmen on 7 October amid a turf war over control of a sand quarry along the Karnaphuli River in Chattogram's Raozan.
The arrestees were identified as Md Abdullah Khokon, Md Maruf, Md Saklain Hossain and Ziaur Rahman, according to a Bangladesh Police statement issued today (6 November).
The statement added that Khokon was arrested on 31 October from Raozan. During interrogation, he confessed to involvement in the killing at court. Based on his statement, another suspect, Md Maruf, was arrested on 2 November from Noapara.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
Further operations led to the arrests of Saklain Hossain and Ziaur Rahman, from whom police recovered a single-barrel shotgun, an LG firearm, and a motorcycle used in the attack.
Hathazari Circle Additional Superintendent of Police Tareq Aziz told The Business Standard, "The investigation and suspects' confessions confirm that the murder was carried out by hired gunmen over a dispute involving the Karnaphuli River sand quarry."
"Two organised criminal groups carried out the murder in exchange for money, and we have identified 10–12 others involved. Raids are ongoing to arrest them," he added.
The incident occurred on 7 October near the western side of Modunaghat Bridge, when gunmen on motorcycles opened fire on Hakim's car. The 52-year-old businessman died instantly, while his driver was critically injured.
According to police sources, Raozan has seen 17 murders since 5 August last year, including 12 politically motivated killings.
