The murder of Mohammad Azizur Rahman Mosabbir, former joint general secretary of the Jatiyatabadi Swechchhasebak Dal, appears to have stemmed from a business dispute in Dhaka’s Karwan Bazar area, according to the Detective Branch (DB) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police.
Additional Commissioner (DB) Md Shafiqul Islam shared the details at a press briefing at the DMP Media Centre on Sunday afternoon, outlining the progress of the ongoing investigation.
He said the DB identified those involved in the killing and carried out operations across Dhaka, Gazipur, Mymensingh, Netrokona, Bhairab and Kishoreganj.
During these drives, one of the two gunmen, Jinnat, 24, was arrested along with the alleged main coordinator of the attack, Mohammad Billal Hossain. Billal’s uncle, Abdul Kadir, 28, who reportedly helped the suspects flee after the incident, was also taken into custody.
“The accused had conducted inspection at the crime scene prior to the attack,” Shafiqul Islam noted.
Mohammad Riaz, 32, who is believed to have assisted in the investigation, has also been arrested. Authorities recovered a numberless motorcycle used in the attack and Tk 6,000 in cash from the suspects.
During preliminary questioning, the arrested individuals confessed to their roles in the murder, though the firearm used in the shooting has not yet been recovered, the DB chief added.
Responding to queries about potential political or underworld motives, Shafiqul Islam said the investigation is ongoing. “As the victim was a political leader, political motives are being examined. However, initial findings indicate the murder was linked to a business dispute,” he said.
He clarified that the accused do not have any formal political affiliation, although they were engaged in business in Karwanbazar and had associations with political figures. The second shooter, identified as Rahim, remains at large.
The DB is also investigating reports that Tk 1.5 million was allegedly sent from abroad for the killing.
Besides, authorities are examining a recent human chain staged by Mosabbir against extortion, during which clashes had occurred and a case was filed.
The incident took place last Wednesday around 8pm when gunmen shot Mosabbir in an alley near Hotel Super Star on Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue.
Abu Sufian Bepari Masud, general secretary of the Tejgaon Thana Van Workers Union, who was accompanying Mosabbir, was also injured in the attack.
Political vengeance behind Hadi killing: DB chief
Mosabbir had previously served as general secretary of Dhaka North Swechchhasebak Dal and joint secretary of the party’s central committee.
Following the killing, his wife, Suraiya Begum, filed a case at Tejgaon Police Station against unidentified suspects, stating that Mosabbir had received death threats in recent days.