Metropolitan police officers have dismantled a dangerous armed robbery syndicate in Dhaka, arresting nine suspects—including three retired military personnel—following a coordinated 3.8-million-taka heist in Dhanmondi.
Details of the expansive operation were disclosed during a press briefing at the DMP Media Centre on Minto Road on Sunday morning, led by Joint Commissioner (Crime) Md Faruq Hossain. The arrests were executed across multiple districts following intelligence-led raids in Southkhan, Mohammadpur, Baitul Mukarram, and as far afield as Kuakata in Patuakhali.
The arrested suspects have been identified as Tanvir Abedin, 41; Md Mojibur Rahman, 60; Md Zakir Hossain, alias Captain Zakir, 60; Md Solaiman Mridha, 55; Mohammad Kabir Hossain, 50; Abul Kalam Azad, 50; Md Zakariya Hossain, alias Lenin, 40; Sojol Chowdhury, 31; and Saymun Chowdhury, 33.
The robbery took place at around 2:10 pm on 30 August outside the Dingi Restaurant on Road 12 in Dhanmondi. The victim, Khorshed Alam, had arrived carrying 3.8 million taka in cash after being enticed into a lucrative deal to purchase gold bullion.
According to investigators, the syndicate operated a sophisticated scam. Selected members would cultivate prospective buyers under the guise of selling gold at competitive rates, instructing them to bring substantial sums of cash to an initial meeting point. After discussing terms, the victim would be lured to a second location for the physical exchange.
While Khorshed was travelling by rickshaw towards the restaurant premises, an advance party led by Zakariya Hossain monitored his route. Upon receiving a signal, eight to ten gang members intercepted the rickshaw at gunpoint, assaulted the victim, seized the cash, and sped off on motorcycles.
Alerted by the victim’s cries, local residents and Dhanmondi Model Police officers reacted swiftly, apprehending Tanvir Abedin Jewel and Md Mojibur Rahman at the scene. Officers confiscated a locally manufactured revolver alongside four rounds of live ammunition from the duo.
Subsequent interrogations led to the capture of Zakir Hossain in Southkhan, whilst further raids yielded six additional arrests. Police have recovered 575,350 taka of the stolen cash—comprising 345,350 taka from Zakariya Hossain and 200,000 taka from Sojol Chowdhury.
Joint Commissioner Hossain confirmed that three of the suspects are retired military personnel, some of whom had previously served on deputation with the elite Rapid Action Battalion (RAB). Mojibur Rahman is a retired sergeant, Zakir Hossain is a retired honorary captain, and Solaiman Mridha retired as a senior warrant officer.
Several arrestees carry extensive criminal records. Tanvir faces four charges related to robbery and mugging, Sojol Chowdhury is implicated in six similar cases, Zakariya Hossain faces two charges involving narcotics and attempted murder, and Abul Kalam Azad has three prior cases recorded against him.
Dhanmondi Model Police Station has registered two separate cases covering armed robbery and offences under the Arms Act. Law enforcement agencies continue their drive to recover the remaining 3.2 million taka and locate outstanding accomplices.
