Murder of BNP Activist in Chattogram Sparks Arrests
Chattogram, Nov. 7 — A significant development has taken place in the murder case of a BNP activist in Raozan upazila, where four individuals have been arrested by the police. The accused include Abdullah Khokon alias Langra Khokon, Md. Maruf, Saqlain Hossain, and Ziaur Rahman. Among them, Saqlain Hossain is also involved in another case related to the Arms Control Act.
The Chattogram District Police Superintendent, Md. Saiful Islam Santu, shared details with the media on Thursday. He revealed that the murder was planned as part of a broader scheme to gain control over sand mining operations along the Karnaphuli River and to assert local dominance in the Balumohal area.
“So far, four people, including the mastermind behind the killing, have been arrested,” the SP added.
Details of the Incident
According to the police report, on October 7, Abdul Hakim Chowdhury, a businessman and BNP activist, traveled to Bagowan in Raozan to visit Hamim Agro Farm in his private car. During his return to Chattogram city in the afternoon, unidentified assailants on a motorcycle intercepted his vehicle near the west side of Madunaghat Bridge and opened fire indiscriminately, leaving him critically injured.
Hakim later succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment at a hospital.
Following the incident, the Chattogram District Detective Branch (DB) and Hathazari Police Station visited the scene, collected initial information, and initiated an investigation.
Arrests and Confessions
Abdullah Khokon was arrested from Garib Ullah Para in Bagowan Union under Raozan Police Station on October 31. During his interrogation, he confessed to his involvement in the murder and provided a detailed statement under Section 164 before a court.
Based on the information provided by Khokon, police arrested Md. Maruf from the Chowdhuryhat area of Noapara Union under Raozan Police Station on November 2. During questioning, Maruf disclosed the location of the murder weapon, which was in the possession of his associate, Md. Saqlain Hossain.
A special team from Hathazari Police Station conducted a raid on the night of November 4 and arrested Saqlain Hossain. During the operation, police recovered a domestically made single-barrel gun, an LG, and the motorcycle used in the killing from his possession.
In a subsequent raid, police also arrested Ziaur Rahman, a neighbor of the deceased Abdul Hakim Chowdhury, from Panchkhain area of Bagowan Union.
Ongoing Investigation
SP Saiful Islam Santu stated that names of 10 to 12 more individuals have been identified during the investigation, and efforts are underway to apprehend them.
The deceased, Abdul Hakim Chowdhury, was the son of late Ali Madan Chowdhury from Panchkhain area in Bagowan Union, Raozan Upazila. He was known to be a follower of BNP central leader and former lawmaker Giasuddin Quader Chowdhury.
Key Points of the Case
- The murder was linked to control over sand mining activities in the region.
- Four individuals have been arrested so far, with more suspects expected to be identified.
- The case involved a motorcycle, a single-barrel gun, and an LG.
- The victim was a prominent BNP activist with strong ties to political figures.
- The investigation continues with the aim of bringing all involved parties to justice.