Old Dhaka murder: 5 arrested including Jubo Dal leaders; police say no political link found

About a month ago, Monir Hossen made parathas near Mitford Hospital and was known locally as "Paratha Monir." But now he's no longer selling snacks, he has changed his appearance and status. 

Similarly, Md Nannu, who was an ambulance driver before 5 August, has become a controller of the ambulance syndicate at Mitford Hospital. Together, Monir and Nannu now run an ambulance syndicate and control footpath businesses around the hospital.

Talking to local traders and political leaders while visiting the area yesterday, TBS reporters found that three individuals – Apu Das (32), former Joint Secretary of Chawkbazar Thana Chhatra Dal and apprentice lawyer; Sarwar Hossain "Titu" (42), former member of Chawkbazar Thana Jubo Dal; and Mahmudul Hasan Mohin (41), former acting president of Chawkbazar Thana Jubo Dal – began asserting dominance in Chawkbazar since 5 August. They are reportedly controlling scrap business, footpath occupation and extortion, and have enlisted Monir and Nannu to expand their influence near Mitford.

These five names have come up in the murder of scrap dealer Md Sohag (39) on 9 July near Gate-3 of Mitford Hospital, where he was beaten to death. On 10 July 10, Sohag's sister, Manjuara Begum filed a murder case at Kotwali Thana, naming 19 individuals plus 15–20 unnamed suspects.

Out of the named individuals, five have been arrested. At a press briefing on Minto Road, Lalbagh Division Deputy Commissioner Md Jasim said that after reviewing video footage, police identified those involved and have arrested five suspects so far– two by RAB and three by Kotwali police. The arrested are: Mahmudul Hasan Mohin (41), Tarek Rahman Robin (22), Alimgir (28), Monir (25) and Md Titon Gazi (32).

Titon Gazi and Mahmudul Hasan have been remanded for five days each, and Robin for two days.

Although BNP affiliates expelled suspects, police finds no political link

Lalbagh Division DC Jasim claimed in the press release that no political affiliation of the suspects has been found, adding that it also does not matter; what matters is their involvement in the crime. "We've interrogated the arrested individuals; they did not provide any clear info about political affiliations," he added.

Meanwhile, Jubo Dal expelled two of their leaders for life: former co-secretary for climate issues Razzab Ali Pintu and joint convener of Dhaka South Jubo Dal, Sabah Karim Laki. Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Chatra Dal and Swechhasebak Dal also expelled two of their leaders, namely Apu Das and Kalu.

Among the arrested, Mohin and Robin are directly involved in Jubo Dal and Chhatra Dal politics. Mohin is the former president of Ward-30 Chhatra Dal and led the Thana unit until 2018, later joining Jubo Dal. Robin is senior joint secretary of Ward-30 Chhatra Dal. Other named suspects include Sarwar Hossain Titu and Apu Das.

Speaking to local BNP leaders, it was learned that the arrested Mohin is a follower of the sister of a former Chhatra Dal leader. Titu is known to have a close relationship with a top leader of Dhaka South Jubo Dal. Titu is also known as that leader's motorcycle driver.

When asked, the DC of the Lalbagh Division said, "I can't say with full certainty unless I'm absolutely sure. If you have any information or evidence, please assist us by providing it."

Business rivalry led to murder?
Police say that victim Sohag and the accused had business ties, but a dispute arose over financial dealings. DC Jasim said: "They did business together for some time, but a conflict over transactions led to this crime."

Locals told TBS Reporters that Sohag, a scrap dealer for about 10–15 years, dealt mainly in stolen copper wire, extracting copper and selling it. He previously operated under the patronage of Awami League leader Shahin alias Balu Shahin. After 5 August, Apu, Mohin, and Titu attempted to become his business partners. Though initially welcomed, they later used their connection with Jubo Dal to seize control of the business and eventually killed him over the dispute.

One businessman seeking anonymity stated: "The stolen wire trade runs into Tk 3–4 crore monthly."

'All involved will face justice'

Home Adviser Lt Gen (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said yesterday at Dhaka District Police Lines at Mill Barrack that all involved have been brought under legal action. He remarked: "It's not just Mitford, police take immediate action in such incidents nationwide. But this case is especially tragic. Such incidents shouldn't happen in a civilized society."

He urged anyone witnessing crime to contact law enforcement and not take the law into their own hands.

What's in the FIR
The FIR states that Sohag alias Lal Chand, a scrap dealer based near Rajani Bose Lane Masjid, was in conflict with the accused over dominance and business issues. On 9 July, the accused and 15–20 unidentified persons attacked with machetes, plastic pipes, iron rods, sticks, and concrete blocks at his scrap warehouse and beat him. 

Even though his shop staff begged for mercy, they dragged him to Gate-3 of Mitford Hospital, beat him on both sides of his head, right ear, right eye, left arm, and various body parts with heavy sticks and concrete blocks/bricks. They stripped and left him naked on the hospital road around 6:20pm. Even after he died, they celebrated.