A recent surge in targeted killings by professional “shooters” under the patronage of top-tier criminals has sparked widespread fear among the public. Despite multiple emergency meetings convened by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Police Headquarters, and Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), the situation has shown little improvement.
Crime analysts suggest that the violence is linked to struggles for dominance ahead of the upcoming elections. They warn that unless law enforcement agencies intensify their operations, criminal incidents—including assassinations—are likely to rise further.
The latest victim is Azizur Rahman Mosabbir, former general secretary of the Dhaka Metropolitan North Volunteer Party, who was shot dead in Tezturi Bazaar, Farmgate. Following the attack, three members of a suspected organised crime group were arrested. Preliminary interrogation revealed that they belong to a professional killer network operating in Dhaka.
Senior criminals orchestrate these killings from behind the scenes, while their field operatives execute the attacks. Law enforcement officials have linked several recent shootings across the capital to these professional gangs.
According to police sources, incidents include the 12 December shooting of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inqilab Mancha, on Kalvert Road, Puranapaltan. Investigations indicate at least nine subsequent nationwide shootings are connected to the same criminal network.
Experts say the perpetrators have become increasingly audacious, targeting rivals openly. Examples include:
| Date | Location | Victim | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 Nov 2025 | Court Area, Dhaka | Tarik Saif Mamun | Shot dead due to criminal rivalry |
| Early Nov 2025 | Chittagong | Sarwar Hossain Babul | Election-related power struggle |
| 12 Dec 2025 | Kalvert Road, Dhaka | Sharif Osman Hadi | Linked to professional shooter network |
| 1 Jan 2026 | Farmgate, Dhaka | Azizur Rahman Mosabbir | Executed by gang operatives |
Investigations reveal that six top criminals, released on bail after extended imprisonment following the 5 August 2024 government change, are now directing criminal operations from both inside and outside the country. Notable figures include Sweden Aslam, Sanjidul Islam (Imon) of Hazaribagh, Abbas Ali (Killer Abbas) of Mirpur, Imamul Hasan Helal (Picchi Helal) of Mohammadpur, and Khondkar Naim Ahmed (Titon) and Khorshed Alam (Rasu/Freedom Rasu). Another top gangster, Jisan, currently abroad, coordinates operations through local associates.
Intelligence reports indicate that Imon’s aide, Roni, oversaw the recent killing of Mamun, executed by two professional shooters for a payment of 200,000 BDT. The victim’s wife, Bilkis Akter Deepa, claims, “Imon ordered the assassination of Mamun.”
Asked whether these killings might affect the upcoming elections, Home Ministry senior secretary Nasimul Ghani responded, “It is difficult to predict the impact—it depends on who has been killed.” A recent intelligence briefing warned that some political leaders are supporting criminal networks, using them as hired muscle to influence the electoral process.
The unfolding law-and-order crisis underscores the urgent need for robust action to curb professional criminal operations before they destabilise the city and its democratic processes.