RAB Members Attacked in Brahmanbaria

Three members of Bangladesh’s Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) were injured after coming under attack by an alleged gang of robbers while collecting intelligence information in Brahmanbaria’s Nabinagar upazila. The incident took place at around 4:00 pm on Monday in Khagatuya village under Ratanpur union. The injured personnel later received treatment at Nabinagar উপজেলা Health Complex at around 8:00 pm before being referred to Brahmanbaria General Hospital for advanced medical care.

The injured officers were identified as Havildar Md Kajol, 33, Abdul Malek, 34, and Constable Md Rashed, 43. All three are members of the intelligence branch of RAB-9 stationed at the Brahmanbaria office.

According to local residents and RAB-9 sources, the team had travelled to Khagatuya village to gather information about Shafik Mia, also known as “Chora Shafik”, who has been identified by law enforcement authorities as a listed robber. Sergeant Md Faruk and the three injured members reportedly entered the area in plain clothes at approximately 4:00 pm on Monday as part of the information-gathering operation.

Sources said that Shafik Mia and his associates learned of the presence of the RAB personnel through local informants. They subsequently launched a sudden attack on the officers. During the assault, the RAB members were reportedly hacked and seriously injured. Three of the injured personnel were then confined inside a house in the village for more than three hours, while one member managed to escape and alert fellow officers.

After receiving the information, additional members of RAB and the intelligence branch arrived at the scene at around 7:00 pm and rescued the injured personnel. They were then taken to Nabinagar Upazila Health Complex for treatment.

Local sources stated that allegations of previous attacks on members of law enforcement agencies had also been made against Shafik Mia. Tension reportedly spread in the area following the incident.

A 52-second video recorded after the attack later circulated on social media. In the footage, a RAB member can be heard speaking with a local individual. The officer is heard saying, “I swear by my mother.” In response, the other person uses abusive language and threatens him. The video also shows one RAB member in a T-shirt standing while holding his ears, while two others appear to be suffering from injuries to their hands.

Nabinagar Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Habibur Rahman said the injured officers were brought to the hospital at around 8:00 pm. He stated that they had injuries to their hands and heads, including sharp weapon wounds on one officer’s head. After primary treatment, all three were referred to Brahmanbaria General Hospital the same night.

Injured RAB member Abdul Malek said they had been travelling on two motorcycles for intelligence-gathering work near the eastern side of Durgarampur Bridge under Bancharampur police station when they came under attack in Khagatuya village. He alleged that Shafik Mia and his associates blocked their path and assaulted them. Malek said he suffered head injuries during the attack and that he and his colleagues had to plead for mercy to save their lives.

Additional Superintendent of Police Md Nurunnabi, company commander of RAB-9 in Brahmanbaria, confirmed the incident and said the injured members were rescued and provided medical treatment.

Nabinagar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Morshedul Alam Chowdhury said Shafik Mia is a “listed robber” and that multiple cases are pending against him.