Throughout the past year, Chittagong has been gripped by fear over a series of violent incidents linked to Sajjād Ali, commonly known as ‘Boro Sajjad’. Operating from abroad, Sajjad is alleged to have directed extortion, shootings, and public killings through his network of local associates. Most recently, on Friday, a businessman’s residence in the Chandanpura area of Chittagong was targeted in a shooting, with police attributing the attack to Sajjad’s instructions from overseas.
Despite arrests of several of his followers, a significant portion of Sajjad’s network remains at large. Authorities report that residents across Chattogram’s Chandgaon, Bayezid Bostami, Panchlaish areas and the wider districts of Hathazari and Raozan—over 500,000 people—live under the shadow of his gang’s activities. Over the past 18 months, his associates have been implicated in at least ten murders, including high-profile double killings, either to maintain dominance or as hired assassins, according to law enforcement. Sajjad, however, has denied all allegations.
Who is ‘Boro Sajjad’?
Sajjād Ali, son of Abdul Gani of Chattogram’s Bayezid Bostami, first came into public attention in 1999 after the murder of local councillor Liaquat Ali Khan. Though accused, he was acquitted due to lack of witness testimony.
He is believed to have led the notorious 2000 ‘Eight Murders’ in Chattogram, in which six student leaders and two others were killed during a microbus attack in Bahaddarhat. Arrested in October 2000 with an AK-47 rifle, he was released on bail in 2004 and fled abroad.
Initially, Sajjad formed his gang with Nur Nabi Maxon, Sarwar Hossain, and Akbar Ali. Following the deaths or departure of his senior lieutenants, leadership domestically fell to Sajjād Hossain, known as ‘Chhoto Sajjad’.
Recent Violent Incidents
| Date | Location | Victim(s) | Details | Alleged Perpetrator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Aug 2025 | Chandgaon Mohra | Mohammad Yunus | Home shooting; survived | Boro Sajjad’s network |
| 5 Nov 2025 | Khondkarpara, Bayezid Bostami | Sarwar Hossain | Targeted assassination | Boro Sajjad’s gang |
| 23 May 2025 | Patenga Beach | Akbar Ali | Public shooting; killed | Sajjad’s associates |
| 14 Dec 2025 | Panchlaish, Hamzar Bagh | Construction site owner | Extortion demand, armed attack | Boro Sajjad’s network |
| 25 Oct 2025 | Raozan | Alamgir Alam | Shot on motorcycle; killed | Mohammad Raihan & Mubarak Hossain |
Authorities confirm at least 25 active members in Sajjad’s gang within the country. While Chhoto Sajjad remains in prison, leadership has devolved to close aides Mohammad Raihan and Mubarak Hossain, who continue the network’s operations, including extortion, attempted assassinations, and weapons trafficking.
Despite repeated claims by Sajjad denying involvement, police maintain that he coordinates these crimes from abroad. Chittagong’s law enforcement is actively working with Interpol to secure his return and dismantle the remaining elements of his criminal network.