Dhaka: Police have arrested three people in separate raids in Khulna district and the city's Mohammadpur areas on Friday, revealing the mystery of the sensational murder case of Bangladeshi-born British citizen, Dr. AKM Abdur Rashid. The arrestees have been identified as Md. Naeem Khan (22), Md. Zahidur Rahman Rifat (20), and Md. Abu Taher Sikder alias Shaon (22). According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Hazaribagh Thana police arrested the trio in separate raids in Dumuria area of Khulna and Mohammadpur area of Dhaka on Friday. Police also seized a sharp knife used in the murder following information extracted from the detained Md. Naeem Khan. Deputy Commissioner of Police, Ramna Division, Masud Alam revealed the information in a press briefing held at the DMP media centre. The victim, Dr. AKM Abdur Rashid, a British citizen of Bangladeshi origin, lived in the UK for most of the year and occasionally visited Bangladesh. On November 15, 2024, three to four unknown assailants entered his house located on th e 2nd floor of House No. 294/1, Road No. 8/A, West Dhanmondi under Hazaribagh Police Station around 2:30 am. After entering, the assailants scuffled with Dr. Rashid. When his wife, Sufia Rashid, tried to intervene, one of the assailants blocked her. The assailants stabbed Dr. Rashid in the chest multiple times before fleeing after his wife screamed for help. Dr. Rashid was rushed to Dhaka Medical College and Hospital in a critical state, where he was declared dead by the on-duty doctor. Victim's cousin Md. Rezaul Karim filed a murder case with Hazaribagh Police Station on the same day. During the investigation, police identified the criminals involved in the murder with the help of CCTV footage, information from the victim's tenants, and intelligence reports. On Friday, Naeem Khan and Zahidur Rahman Rifat were arrested from Shahpur Bazar area of Dumuria, Khulna. Another team from Hazaribagh Police Station conducted a raid in Mohammadpur area of Dhaka at 03:30 and arrested Abu Taher Sikder alias Shaon. Infor mation extracted from the detained revealed that Naeem Khan and Zahidur were living as tenants in a flat of the victim's house and had disputes with the victim's wife over outstanding rent. They had planned to enter Dr. Rashid's house to steal money to start a restaurant business. On November 15, 2024, they executed their plan with Abu Taher Sikder alias Shaon by climbing over the boundary wall of the house. Dr. Rashid, who was awake for Tahajjud prayers, noticed their presence and tried to stop them, leading to a scuffle. The assailants then stabbed him critically before fleeing the scene.
