Underworld criminal Dilip ordered Musabbir murder over extortion dispute: Police

Assailants murdered Azizur Rahman Musabbir, former general secretary of BNP volunteer wing Swechchhasebak Dal's Dhaka North unit, over extortion and turf control at Dhaka's Karwan Bazar, with the killing ordered by underworld criminal Dilip alias Binas, police have said.

Police collected CCTV footage from the crime scene immediately after the murder, Detective Branch chief Additional Police Commissioner Md Shafiqul Islam said during a press briefing today (24 January).

Multiple DB teams conducted successive raids in Dhaka, Manikganj, Mymensingh and Netrokona, arresting shooter Jinnat; coordinator Billal; Abdul Kader, who helped suspects go into hiding; and Riyaz, who carried out reconnaissance at the scene, he added.

Then efforts to recover the murder weapon were underway, said Shafiqul.

As part of the operation, Md Rahim, another key shooter, was arrested on Friday at a rented house in the Madhabdi municipality area in Narsingdi, he said. 

They also recovered two foreign pistols, two magazines and 12 rounds of ammunition from his possession, the DB chief said, adding that a case has been filed under the Arms Act at Madhabdi Police Station.

When asked about the motive behind the murder, the senior police officer noted that Karwan Bazar is a major commercial and wholesale market area, saying that preliminary findings link the killing to extortion and illegal control of the area.

On whether there had been disputes over extortion involving any political people, he said extortionists have no political affiliation. "Eight to nine groups collect extortion money at Karwan Bazar under different names. We are trying to dismantle this syndicate and will launch an operation very soon."

Responding to questions about the involvement of Binas, who reportedly resides abroad and whose name is used in extortion collection, Shafiqul said, "Preliminarily,  we have found his involvement. All the arrested suspects had links with him. 

"One accused has given a confessional statement under Section 164. The suspects repeatedly referred to a 'Dada' who would take care of matters. Our initial findings indicate the murder was carried out on his orders."

In reply to another question, he said the arrested individuals were hired operatives and that some were also directly involved in extortion at Karwan Bazar. 

CCTV footage shows Rahim and Jinnat fleeing the scene, the DB chief said, adding that both fired shots during the attack.

When asked who Binas is, Shafiqul said he is an underworld criminal currently living abroad, though his political identity could not be confirmed.

Regarding the political affiliations of those involved, he reiterated that criminals do not belong to any party and can move across different circles.

He went on to say that with the election approaching, some groups are trying to destabilise the country. "This month alone, we have recovered around 13 firearms. Legal action is being taken against other criminal elements as well."