Cocktail Attack Deepens Fears in Mirpur Murder Case

A cocktail attack on the residence of the complainant in the high-profile murder case of businessman Aftab Uddin has triggered renewed alarm in Dhaka’s Mirpur area, raising fresh concerns over the safety of witnesses and the integrity of the long-running judicial process.

The incident occurred on Tuesday around 12:30 pm, when two individuals arrived outside the home of Aftab Uddin’s younger brother, Afroz Uddin, on a battery-powered rickshaw. According to eyewitness accounts and police statements, the assailants hurled a crude explosive device towards the house before fleeing the scene immediately.

The device did not strike its intended target. Instead, it landed near a pickup vehicle parked in front of the main gate. The resulting explosion ignited a fire on the vehicle, causing panic among family members and neighbours. The blaze was eventually brought under control by those inside the house using fire extinguishers, preventing what could have escalated into a far more serious incident.

Emergency services were alerted via the national hotline 999, following which officers from Mirpur Police Station and members of the detective branch arrived at the scene. They collected evidence and began reviewing nearby closed-circuit television footage in an effort to identify those involved.

Afroz Uddin has alleged that his family has faced repeated pressure and threats from individuals linked to the accused in the murder case, allegedly aimed at forcing withdrawal of the complaint. He stated that multiple general diaries had already been lodged in the past over intimidation attempts. According to him, the latest attack forms part of a continuing pattern of harassment, particularly after witness testimonies were given in court.

Police officials have confirmed that preliminary findings suggest possible involvement of individuals connected to the accused. Investigators are currently analysing CCTV footage and pursuing leads to identify and arrest the perpetrators. Authorities also noted that the victim’s family may file a separate case in connection with the attack.

The murder case itself dates back more than two decades. Aftab Uddin, a well-known businessman and former general secretary of the Mukta Bangla Shopping Complex management committee, was shot near his residence on 25 December 2005. He succumbed to his injuries three days later in hospital. The case was initially filed on allegations that he was killed after refusing to pay extortion money.

Over the years, multiple individuals, including alleged organised crime figures and their associates, were named as accused. Investigators submitted a charge sheet against 19 people. While some have been arrested, others remain absconding, complicating proceedings.

The case has experienced repeated delays, including earlier attempts to withdraw it on political grounds, later overturned following directives from the higher judiciary. It is currently being heard by the Speedy Trial Tribunal-3 in Dhaka, where it remains at the stage of witness examination.

Family members of the victim have repeatedly expressed frustration over prolonged delays, citing procedural complications, repeated adjournments, and alleged attempts at influence by the accused side. The latest incident has only intensified concerns over witness protection in a case already marked by years of legal stagnation.

Adding a deeply personal dimension, Aftab Uddin’s 99-year-old mother continues to hope that she will live to see justice delivered for her son’s killing. Her plea reflects the enduring emotional weight carried by the family as the case drags on without final resolution.

The cocktail attack has now placed renewed scrutiny on both security arrangements for involved parties and the broader pace of judicial proceedings in one of Mirpur’s most closely watched criminal cases.