Police have arrested two youths in connection with a premeditated brick attack on a motorcyclist in the capital’s Kafrul area, allegedly triggered by a dispute over drug dealing.

The arrestees were identified as Md Parvez, 30, and Anwar Hossain Babu, 32.

Police said efforts are underway to arrest the two other suspects – Md Faisal alias Kalu and Amin – involved in the attack.

The incident, which recently went viral on social media, was unraveled through CCTV footage analysis and investigation by the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP). 

Speaking at a press briefing at the DMP Media Centre on Friday, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Mirpur Division) Mostak Sarkar said the attack took place around 1:20am on June 10 on Ibrahimpur Road, about 100 yards east of the Purba Shewrapara bus stand.

According to police, Rafi was returning home on a motorcycle when the attackers, following prior enmity, hit him on the right side of his head with a brick, causing him to lose control and fall onto the road with his motorcycle.

A case was later filed at Kafrul Police Station in this regard.

Investigators identified the four suspects through video footage analysis and information technology-based investigation.

On June 11, police arrested Parvez from an area near the Indian border under Dhobaura Police Station in Mymensingh district, while Babu was arrested from the capital’s Ibrahimpur area. 

Police also recovered the victim’s motorcycle from a nearby location where it had been abandoned.

Police said Parvez had previously lived as a tenant in Rafi’s house, which led to their acquaintance. Later, Parvez and his associates became involved in drug dealing in the area, resulting in disputes with Rafi.

The day before the attack, an argument reportedly took place between Rafi and suspects Parvez and Kalu. 

Police said the suspects subsequently threatened Rafi and later waited for him in Purba Shewrapara.

When Rafi arrived on his motorcycle on the fateful day, Amin allegedly attempted to block his path. As he continued riding, Parvez threw a brick, striking him in the head.

The suspects later attempted to mislead local residents by claiming that a brick had fallen from above and injured Rafi. They then transported the injured man in an auto-rickshaw and left him in the Ibrahimpur area before fleeing.

According to police, both Parvez and absconding suspect Kalu have multiple drug-related cases filed against them at different police stations in Dhaka.