Two arrested in Chattogram youth killing case

Police have arrested two accused named in the murder case over the killing of Mohammad Kausaruzzaman Bablu in Raozan, Chattogram.

The arrests were made during a special overnight operation early today (26 April), Raozan Police Station Officer-in-Charge Sajedul Islam told The Business Standard.

Police said Bablu was shot while returning home at around 2:30am yesterday (25 April) in the Alikhil Khamartila area of Raozan due to previous enmity. He died on the way to Chittagong Medical College Hospital.

Following the incident, the victim's father, Abul Kalam, filed a murder case with Raozan Police Station, naming 12 people and accusing another three to four unidentified individuals.

Police said a drive was launched immediately after the killing under the direction of the Chattogram district superintendent of police.

A team led by the officer-in-charge, along with investigating officer SI Anisuzzaman, later arrested the third accused named in the First Information Report, Md Shafi, 39, and the fifth accused, Md Suman, 33, from the East Raozan area.

Police said operations were continuing to arrest the remaining accused and recover the weapon used in the killing.

Demanding justice, relatives and local residents blocked the Charabottol area of the Chattogram-Rangamati road with Bablu's body from 3:30pm to 4:30pm yesterday.

The blockade was later withdrawn after assurances from the administration.

During the protest, an ambulance carrying the body was placed on the road, causing a long traffic tailback and disruption to passengers.

Protesters demanded the swift arrest of the killers, a public trial and the maximum punishment. They also called for government support for the victim's family. Bablu was the father of two daughters.

According to locals, violence has increased in Raozan since the political changeover on 5 August 2024. At least 20 people have been killed due to political conflict, establishing dominance, and extortion.