In a significant development in Dhaka’s political turmoil, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has apprehended Kabir, alias ‘Tooth-Crushing’ Kabir, a close aide of Faisal Karim Masud, in connection with the attempted assassination of Sharif Osman Hadi, the prospective independent candidate for Dhaka-8 and spokesperson of the Inquilab Mancha. The arrest took place late Monday night in the Baktaboli area under Fatulla police station in Narayanganj.
RAB-11 Battalion headquarters’ CPC Company Commander, Lt. Commander Naeem Ul Haq, confirmed the arrest. He revealed that Kabir, hailing from Titkata in Patuakhali Sadar, is the son of the late Muzaffar but resides in Ward 30 of the Nobodoy Housing Society under Adabor police station, Dhaka. Kabir is also the joint convener of Ward 100 of the outlawed Awami League-affiliated volunteer group.
“Kabir has been involved in various criminal activities, including arms smuggling, narcotics trade, robbery, extortion, and leading a juvenile gang,” Naeem Ul Haq stated. “We are currently reviewing the number of cases filed against him.”
According to a RAB press release, following the shooting of Sharif Osman Hadi on 12 December, Kabir went into hiding. He sought refuge at a relative’s house in Fatulla, where RAB officers located and arrested him. Preliminary investigations indicate that Kabir was a principal associate of Faisal Karim Masud in the assassination attempt. CCTV footage from multiple media sources reportedly shows Kabir entering the Inquilab Cultural Centre alongside Faisal Karim on several occasions on 4 December.
The suspect has now been handed over to the Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police for further legal proceedings.
The attempted assassination occurred on 12 December, when Sharif Osman Hadi was travelling by rickshaw in Bijoynagar on Box Culvert Road, Puranapaltan, Dhaka. Two motorcyclists fired at him, critically injuring him in the head. The primary suspects have been identified as Faisal Karim Masud, alias Daud Khan, the alleged shooter, and Alamgir Hossain, the motorcycle rider. Following the attack, Faisal, Kabir, and Alamgir went into hiding. Additionally, Faisal Karim’s wife, girlfriend, and brother-in-law were arrested and placed on remand.
Sharif Osman Hadi has since been transferred to Singapore for advanced medical treatment.
This arrest is being seen as a major breakthrough in one of Dhaka’s most high-profile political attacks in recent times.