In a brazen act of violence linked to commercial disputes, former General Secretary of the Dhaka Metropolitan North Volunteer Party, Azizur Rahman Musabbir, was assassinated in the capital, Dhaka. Intelligence indicates that the killing was orchestrated by a fugitive top terrorist currently residing abroad. The assassination was executed under a contract worth 1.5 million Bangladeshi Takas, entrusted to a close associate of the overseas fugitive, Md. Billal.
Four suspects, including Billal, have been apprehended by the Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Branch (DB), sources involved in the investigation confirmed.
During a press briefing on Sunday at the DMP Media Centre on Minto Road, Additional Commissioner (DB) Shafiqul Islam stated that business rivalries were a likely motive for the murder. “We are pursuing leads provided during initial interrogations of the four detainees,” he said.
Suspects and Details
| Name | Relation/Notes | Hometown | Role in Killing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Md. Billal | Brother of Abdul Qadir | Ggula, Monohardi, Narsingdi | Coordinated assassination |
| Abdul Qadir | Brother of Billal | Ggula, Monohardi, Narsingdi | Participated in shooting |
| Jinad | – | Mirzapur, Atwari, Panchagar | Shooter |
| Riaz | – | Dipasha, Bauphal, Patuakhali | Assisted planning/recon |
Investigators revealed that Musabbir and Masud, General Secretary of the Karwan Bazar Van Workers’ Union, were shot in the alley beside Ahsanullah Technology Institute, opposite Star Hotel & Restaurant in Karwan Bazar, at approximately 8:15 pm on Wednesday. Masud survived and is receiving treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Musabbir’s widow, Suraiya Begum, subsequently filed a murder case at Tejgaon Police Station, listing 4–5 unknown individuals as defendants.
The DB confirmed that the suspects conducted reconnaissance of the crime scene the day before the assassination, with Riaz assisting in the operation. A numberless motorcycle and 6,000 Takas were recovered from the suspects, the motorcycle having been used during the attack. However, the firearms employed have not yet been seized.
Investigators clarified that the suspects have no formal political affiliations, although some have business dealings in Karwan Bazar and maintain connections with political figures. Reports indicate that multiple groups have long vied for control over various sectors of the market, often resulting in violent confrontations over extortion revenue.
The murder plot was reportedly commissioned by Binash, a close aide of the fugitive terrorist Sheikh Mohammad Aslam, also known as Sweden Aslam, who oversees a portion of Karwan Bazar from abroad. Binash promised Billal 1.5 million Takas for the successful killing, motivating Billal to involve his brothers, Qadir and Rahim, in the operation.
Police have indicated that the investigation is ongoing, with multiple angles under review, including Musabbir’s prior anti-extortion protests and his rising prominence in local politics. The four apprehended suspects are set to be presented in court on Monday for further questioning and judicial remand.