Police have arrested four people in connection with the murder of Asadul Haque, also known as “Lambu Asadul,” in the capital’s Mohammadpur area, saying the killing was driven by prior clashes and financial disputes.
The arrests were made by Dhaka Metropolitan Police from Keraniganj, officials said at a media briefing on Saturday.
The arrestees were identified as Munna, 24, Akhtar Hossain, 45, Miraj Fakir, 22, and Nayan alias Khokon, 24.
Four arrested over murder of 'Lambu Asadul' in Mohammadpur; revenge cited as motive
Police also recovered a Swiss gear knife used in the murder and a motorcycle based on information provided by the suspects.
The DC (Tejgaon Division) , Md. Ibn Mizan, said investigators initially identified the suspects using technology and conducted drives in Mohammadpur and surrounding areas before tracking them down in Keraniganj.
He said the murder occured due to an earlier altercation between victim Asadul and arrested Akhtar, which led to a case filed by Akhtar. Asadul was later arrested and jailed in that case before securing bail recently. In addition, there had been a financial dispute between the duo.
According to police, Akhtar, seeking revenge, allegedly lured Asadul out at midnight with the help of acquaintances and attacked him with sharp weapons and bricks, leading to his death. Authorities said more suspects have been identified and a drive is ongoing to apprehend them.
A murder case has been filed with Mohammadpur Police Station by the victim’s cousin, and the arrested individuals are being prepared for court appearance with a remand prayer to be sought.
Police said Asadul had six cases against him, including four narcotics-related cases, one under other sections, and one under the speedy trial act.
Among the accused, Munna has seven cases involving drugs and robbery, Miraj has one case, and Nayan has two. No prior case has been found against Akhtar so far.
Responding to questions about crime control in Mohammadpur, the DC said the police station is one of the largest under Tejgaon Division and regular drives are conducted in areas such as Rayerbazar, Bosila, Dhaka Udyan and Chand Udyan.
He added that in this case, suspects came from outside the area, committed the crime, and fled, which is why they were arrested from outside Dhaka. police plans to strengthen checkpoints and intensify areas to prevent such incidents.
On political affiliation, he said Akhtar’s possible political affiliation has been identified and is being verified.
The murder took place around 12:50am on Thursday night (Friday morning) in the Rayerbazar embankment area near Sadeq Khan’s brickfield road. Asadul, a resident of Metro Housing in Mohammadpur, hailed from Gournadi in Barishal.
Meanwhile, Rapid Action Battalion-2 has also arrested two persons—Asadul Islam and Md. Shawon—from the Metro Housing area in connection with the incident.