RAB arrests top criminal 'Buisya' Shahidul, accused in 42 cases, in Chattogram

Rapid Action Battalion-7 (RAB-7) has arrested Shahidul Islam alias Buisya, a top-listed criminal in Chattogram city who is accused in at least 42 cases, during a drive in the Gate No 2 area of the city late last night (20 December).

RAB confirmed the arrest and seizure of weapons and ammunition at a press briefing this morning (21 December).

According to RAB, Shahidul leads an organised criminal group of around 30 members operating mainly in the Chandgaon and Panchlaish areas. 

Cases against him include charges of attempted murder, illegal arms, extortion, drug trafficking and mugging.

RAB said Shahidul initially became involved in crime through theft and mugging before moving into large-scale drug trade and extortion. To maintain control in the area, he formed his own group.

Law enforcement agencies had been monitoring him for a long time, particularly after videos circulated on social media showing his associates openly brandishing firearms and firing shots.

The force said Shahidul used a flat on the third floor of a building in the Bahaddarhat kitchen market area as a so-called torture cell. Businessmen and residents who refused to pay extortion were allegedly taken there and tortured.

During an earlier raid, police recovered items including pliers, machetes, CCTV cameras, bullets and empty shells. A money-counting machine used to count large sums from drugs and extortion was also found there.

Shahidul is a resident of Daulatkhan upazila in Bhola. RAB said he had little formal education and identified himself as a leader of the Chattogram city unit of the Awami League's now banned student wing, Chhatra League, though he held no formal party post.

During the previous government's tenure, he and his associates were seen at various Awami League processions and rallies.

In July and October, police recovered at least 13 local and foreign firearms from his hideouts, but he managed to evade arrest on those occasions.

RAB also referred to recent incidents involving his group.

On 4 October, one of his associates, Munna, allegedly opened fire on a garage owner in the Badurtala area over extortion.

In November last year, Shahidul himself allegedly fired at a motor garage after failing to collect Tk20 lakh in extortion.

RAB-7 Assistant Director (Media) ARM Mozaffar Hossain said Shahidul was arrested based on secret information and would be handed over to the local police station for further legal proceedings.