Home Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has confirmed that law enforcement agencies have successfully brought all individuals involved in the brutal murder of a brick trader at Dhaka’s Mitford area under legal custody.
The victim was killed after refusing to pay extortion money, sparking widespread public outrage.
The adviser made this announcement during a press briefing on Thursday afternoon following his inspection of three key police facilities in Old Dhaka’s historic Mill Barracks – the Dhaka District Police Lines, Range Reserve Force (RRF), and Traffic & Driving School (TDS).
He revealed that five suspects have already been arrested in connection with the case, including two individuals detained at the scene immediately after the Wednesday evening incident, two others apprehended by RAB with weapons on Thursday afternoon, and a fifth suspect taken into custody later that night. A specialized Detective Branch (DB) team has been assigned to conduct a thorough investigation.
While condemning the Mitford incident as “deeply tragic and unacceptable in any civilised society,” the adviser emphasised that police are responding promptly to similar crimes nationwide.
He expressed grave concern over rising public intolerance, urging collective action from all sectors of society including policymakers, educators, medical professionals, and families to rebuild social consciousness.
“No one should take the law into their own hands,” he warned, stressing that law enforcement agencies remain fully capable of delivering justice.
Responding to questions about perceived police inaction, the adviser pointed to several recent cases demonstrating law enforcement’s responsiveness – including the arrest of a woman who falsely reported a Kathmandu-bound flight diversion and swift action in separate Chandpur incidents.
“These arrests prove our forces are anything but indifferent,” he stated, acknowledging that while occasional delays might occur, law enforcement consistently takes immediate action.
The briefing was attended by senior police officials including IGP Baharul Alam, SB Chief and Additional IGP Md Golam Rasul, and Dhaka Range DIG Rezaul Karim Mallik.
Earlier in the day, the adviser had presided over a welfare meeting at Dhaka District Police Lines where he addressed personnel concerns and issued directives for their resolution.
The Mitford murder case has intensified scrutiny on street crime and extortion rackets in Dhaka’s old quarter, with the adviser’s statements reflecting the government’s push for both enhanced law enforcement and broader social reform to combat growing public violence.
His dual emphasis on police accountability and civic responsibility underscores the administration’s comprehensive approach to addressing the security crisis.