Authorities have apprehended Mizanur Rahman Shahin, a prime suspect in the high-profile murder case of Rafi, from Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka. The arrest was executed by the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) in the early hours of Wednesday, 8 April, as Shahin attempted to flee the country for Germany.
Shahin, the nephew of former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and son of Azizul Rahman Miraj from the Shainpukur area of Dohar, had been evading law enforcement for nearly eleven months. According to PBI Inspector Md. Jamal Uddin, Shahin was taken into custody at 4:00 am before being presented in a Dhaka court later that afternoon. The court rejected his bail petition and granted a one-day remand to facilitate further investigation.
The murder of Rafi occurred on 20 May 2025, in a particularly brutal manner, involving the severing of tendons in the victim’s hands and feet. The case had already seen several arrests, including Namiya, Shahid, Titu, Hukum Ali, and Alamin, all of whom are currently incarcerated. Another suspect, Baten, remains at large. According to PBI sources, Alamin’s confession implicated Shahin as the mastermind behind the homicide.
Inspector Uddin confirmed that following Shahin’s arrest, the PBI delayed announcing the capture to the media in order to continue crucial investigative procedures. Shahin’s apprehension marks a significant development in a case that has drawn national attention due to its gruesome nature and the high-profile connections of the accused.
Key Details of the Rafi Murder Case
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Suspect Arrested | Mizanur Rahman Shahin |
| Relation | Nephew of former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal |
| Father | Azizul Rahman Miraj |
| Date of Murder | 20 May 2025 |
| Victim | Rafi |
| Arrested Co-Accused | Namiya, Shahid, Titu, Hukum Ali, Alamin |
| Fugitive Co-Accused | Baten |
| Arrest Location & Time | Shahjalal International Airport, 4:00 am, 8 April |
| Attempted Escape Destination | Germany |
| Court Action | Bail denied; one-day remand granted |
The PBI has emphasised that the investigation will continue, with the aim of apprehending any remaining suspects and securing comprehensive evidence. Authorities also noted that Shahin’s arrest is a critical step toward achieving justice in a case that has deeply affected both local and national communities.
Officials have warned that further disclosures may follow as investigations progress, highlighting the ongoing complexity and sensitivity surrounding the case. The legal proceedings now enter a crucial phase, with public attention remaining focused on ensuring a thorough and transparent judicial process.
This arrest underscores the PBI’s commitment to tackling serious criminal cases, particularly those involving politically connected individuals, and marks a pivotal moment in one of Dhaka’s most sensational murder investigations of recent years.