Three arrested in BNP leader Musabbir murder case

Dhaka Metropolitan Police's Detective Branch (DB) has arrested three suspects in connection with the murder of Azizur Rahman Musabbir, former general secretary of Dhaka Metropolitan North Swechchhasebak Dal.

A senior DB official confirmed the arrests, which occurred during a special drive late on Friday night in Gazipur and Manikganj. 

The detainees include the alleged prime shooter, the suspected mastermind Billal, and a third accomplice.  

The shooting took place on Wednesday night between approximately 8:15–8:40 pm, in an alley near Star Hotel and Restaurant in Tejturi Bazar, opposite Karwan Bazar. 

Musabbir was shot in the right elbow and abdomen. His companion, Sufian Bepari alias Masud (50), general secretary of the Karwan Bazar Van Workers Union, was wounded in the abdomen and is under treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH).  

CCTV footage shows at least four individuals involved: two main suspects arrived on a motorcycle about 25 minutes prior, handed it to an accomplice, and ambushed from a concealed spot. One fled toward Farmgate post-attack. Recent clearer footage has assisted identification efforts.  

The motive is still under investigation, with police probing possible local turf wars over extortion and control in Karwan Bazar since August 2024. 

Musabbir reportedly received death threats and mentioned having many enemies.  

On Thursday, his wife Suraiya Begum filed a murder case at Tejgaon Police Station against four to five unidentified persons. 

Protests followed by relatives, supporters, and BNP colleagues at Tejgaon Police Station and Karwan Bazar, demanding quick arrests and justice.  

Tejgaon Police OC Keshinyu Marma highlighted fresh CCTV evidence showing clear suspect visuals. 

Authorities note that while four were visible at the scene, more individuals may be involved, and efforts continue to apprehend all perpetrators.  

Dhaka Metropolitan Police is expected to hold a press conference soon with further details on the arrested suspects. 

The incident has heightened concerns over political violence in Dhaka amid the ongoing election period.