Mirpur Division of Detective Branch (DB) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has arrested a professional hitman, Md Zamil Hossain, alias “Shooter Zakir” alias Md Zakir, alias Khalato, 48, along with foreign firearms and ammunition from Dhaka’s Mirpur area.
The suspect was apprehended during a raid conducted on Wednesday.
The details of the operation were disclosed by DB Chief and Additional Commissioner of Police (Intelligence) Md Shafiqul Islam during a press conference organised at DMP Media Centre on Thursday.
According to the police, a foreign-made pistol, two rounds of ammunition loaded in its magazine, a black foreign-made revolver, two rounds of ammunition in its chamber, and an empty magazine were recovered from Zakir’s possession during the arrest.
A preliminary police investigation revealed that Zakir is a professional criminal and an armed hitman who has been establishing dominance in Mirpur area for a long time through intimidation.
Police claimed that during the tenure of the fallen Awami League government, Zakir operated as an associate of the alleged top terror Tanveer Islam Joy in Mirpur area.
Following Joy’s death, Zakir allegedly continued his criminal activities as an associate of Tazkeer, another member of the crime syndicate.
The DB chief further revealed that on 7 July at around 9pm, a shooting took place in the Senpara Parbata area under Mirpur Model Police Station with the intent to kill the Joint Convenor of Mirpur Thana Swechhasebak Dal, Md Saiful Islam Siju.
The attack was reportedly triggered by disputes over establishing dominance and the sharing of spoils.
While Zakir managed to flee the scene on that occasion, his associate shooter, Md Kawser Bhuiyan, alias Shanto, alias SB, was arrested by the police with weapons and ammunition.
Two cases were subsequently registered at Mirpur Model Police Station regarding that incident – one for attempted murder and causing grievous hurt, and the other under the Arms Act. Both cases are currently being investigated by the Mirpur Model Police.
Legal proceedings are currently underway to take further actions against the arrested suspect, Zakir.
