Dhaka: Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police arrested four individuals for their alleged involvement in a gunfight between two criminal gangs over control of the drug trade in the capital's Gandaria. The arrestees are Farid Bepari, 23, Md Sobuj, 22, Shahadat Hossain Alif, 18, and Rifat Hossain, 19.
According to United News of Bangladesh, two foreign-made pistols, two magazines, two rounds of ammunition, a switchblade knife, a sharp curved knife, and 160 yaba tablets were recovered from their possession, as stated by Additional Police Commissioner of DMP's DB Mohammad Shafiqul Islam at a press briefing Thursday. Shafiqul Islam detailed that the gunfight and display of locally made weapons occurred between two groups between 7pm and 7:30pm on August 30 in the Munshirteck area of Swamibagh in Gandaria, as they vied for dominance in the drug trade.
Three people, including pedestrians and shopkeepers, sustained bullet injuries during the incident. Following the altercation, the DB's Wari division initiated a shadow investigation alongside Gandaria police. Investigators were able to identify the armed attackers through an analysis of CCTV footage.
The DB official revealed that those identified in the footage were subsequently arrested. One suspect seen carrying a large knife was apprehended with the same weapon, while another identified armed suspect was arrested with a firearm. As part of the investigation, a DB team raided a construction site of Israt Construction near No. 8 Para in Mir Hazaribagh, Gandaria, on the road from Dholairpar towards Dayaganj under Jatrabari Police Station around 11:10pm Wednesday and arrested the four.
Inquiries into whether there was any business dispute involving BNP leader Monir Hossain are ongoing. Shafiqul Islam suggested that there could be multiple reasons behind the attack on Monir's office. Investigators are probing whether the attackers had any business disputes with Monir besides his political identity.
The DB official noted that drug trading had been prevalent in the area for an extended period. Investigators are examining whether Monir had played any role in preventing others from participating in the drug trade, which could have incited the attack. The actual motives will become clearer after questioning the arrestees and completing the investigation.
Regarding whether anyone was orchestrating the group, it was indicated that another alleged godfather, Auto Sajal, currently jailed after being arrested with firearms, might have been behind them. A case has been filed, and the investigation will confirm the details.
When asked if weapons were also used by Monir Hossain's side, the DB official confirmed that evidence showed both sides employed firearms during the incident. Shafiqul Islam emphasized that police would not spare anyone based on political identity. A case has been filed against the four arrestees under the Arms Act with Jatrabari Police Station. The DB's operation to identify and arrest others involved in the incident is ongoing.