Chittagong Construction Site Targeted by Armed Extortionists, Video Circulates

A shocking incident of daylight gunfire by armed assailants has sent waves of fear across Chittagong. The episode, which took place in the bustling Hamjarbagh area of Muradpur-Oxygen Road last Sunday, has now gone viral on social media, drawing widespread attention. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, but the attack has left local residents and workers traumatised.

Eyewitnesses reported that the assailants entered a construction site adjacent to a busy road and discharged multiple rounds into the air before fleeing. The incident was captured on a nearly two-minute video, showing three young men, two of whom were armed, entering the site while labourers were at work. The gunfire prompted workers to scatter for safety, and the attackers were later seen crossing the road with their weapons before disappearing.

Police investigations reveal that the attack was linked to an extortion demand. The owners of the under-construction building, Mizan and Jasim, were reportedly asked to pay approximately 8 million taka by the fugitive gangster Sajjad Ali, who is currently overseas. When the owners refused, the armed attack was carried out as a show of force to instil fear.

The area remains tense, with neighbouring construction projects temporarily halted. Locals claim that Amir Hossain and Jahangir Alam, also from the same vicinity, have suspended their work due to fear of similar attacks. Both Mizan and Jasim have remained largely silent since the incident, fearing retaliation.

Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Solaiman of Panchlaish Police Station confirmed that CCTV footage has helped identify the suspects. Although no formal complaint has yet been filed by the victims, authorities have launched operations to apprehend those responsible. The attackers are reportedly members of Sajjad Ali’s criminal network, which has long been involved in extortion, armed robberies, and other violent crimes.

This is not the first violent episode linked to this gang. On 5 November, during a public campaign by BNP candidate Ershad Ullah in Chittagong-8, gunmen opened fire, leaving five people injured and resulting in the death of the assailant Sarwar Hossain Babla. Legal action against Sajjad Ali and 22 associates followed, yet the primary shooters remain at large, and the gang continues its activities unabated.

Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to assist ongoing investigations.

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