The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB-4) has arrested two top suspects in the murder of Golam Kibria (50), member secretary of the Jubo Dal’s Pallabi unit.

The arrestees are the alleged mastermind and planner of the killing, Md Monir Hossain alias Sohel alias Pata Sohel (30), and Md Sujon alias Bukpora Sujon (35).

Briefing reporters at the RAB Media Centre in Karwan Bazar on Wednesday afternoon, Lt Col Md Mahbub Alam, commanding officer of RAB-4, said the murder stemmed from political conflict and turf war in Pallabi. The killing was premeditated and involved a large financial transaction, according to initial findings.

Both arrestees are active members of the Mirpur-based criminal group known as the ‘Four Star Group’.

He said on November 17, six armed assailants shot Kibria dead inside the Bikrampur Sanitary and Hardware shop in Pallabi. While fleeing, the attackers fired at locals, leaving a rickshaw-puller injured. Locals later chased and caught one attacker, Jony Bhuiyan, and handed him over to police.

Following the incident, RAB-4 analysed CCTV footage and other evidence and launched a shadow investigation. As part of the drive, Pata Sohel was arrested from Savar’s Birolia area on November 18, while Bukpora Sujon was detained from the Mazar slum area under Tongi West Police Station. Sujon is an accused in 18 cases and had been on the run.

Lt Col Mahbub Alam said the motive behind the killing revolved around political dominance, extortion, drug activities, and other criminal operations. Kibria was politically active and opposed extortion and drug trade in the area, which may have triggered the conflict.

Jubo Dal leader gunned down in Pallabi

He added that although Pata Sohel financed the operation, the source of the funds is still unclear.

Replying to a question, he also said, investigations are ongoing to determine whether others, including Mamun, were involved. Possible links to the underworld are also being examined.