The Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has declared a strict stance against criminals and extortionists, asserting that law enforcement will focus on the crimes committed rather than the political affiliations of the offenders.
“It is irrelevant which political party an offender belongs to. Maintaining law and order and curbing crime is the primary duty of the police. DB operations against armed elements and extortionists will continue unabated across party lines.”
“No one will be spared in connection with the Gendaria shootout,” said Md Shafiqul Islam, DB chief and additional commissioner (intelligence) of police, during a press briefing held at the DMP Media Centre on Minto Road on Thursday afternoon.
The press conference was organised to share details regarding the arrest of suspects with weapons in connection with the recent gunfight in the capital’s Gendaria area.
According to the police, a violent clash erupted between two rival groups over the control and dominance of the local drug trade in the Munshiertek area of Swamibagh in Gendaria between 7pm and 7:30pm on 30 August.
The shootout left three bystanders, including general pedestrians and shopkeepers, with bullet wounds.
Following the incident, the DB Wari Division initiated a shadow investigation alongside Gendaria police. Investigators analysed CCTV footage to identify the armed men and track their movements.
Acting on this intelligence, DB detectives conducted a raid around 11:10pm on Wednesday inside an under-construction building of Israt Construction in the Mir Hazirbagh area of Gendaria, situated beside the road leading from Dholaipar to Dayaganj under Jatrabari Police Station.
The operation led to the arrest of four active gang members – Farid Bepari, 23, Md Sabuj, 22, Sahadat Hossain Alif, 18, and Rifat Hossain, 19.
During the raid, detectives recovered a 7.65mm foreign-made pistol, a steel magazine, and two rounds of live ammunition tucked in Farid’s waistband.
Additionally, 160 pieces of Yaba, with an estimated market value of Tk48,000, were seized from his trouser pocket.
Another 7.65mm foreign pistol and a steel magazine were recovered from Sabuj. Detectives also seized a switchblade knife from Alif and a curved iron dagger with a wooden handle from Rifat.
Police stated that during primary interrogation, the arrestees confessed to being active members of an organised syndicate involved in illegal firearms, terrorism, and drug trade.
They went into hiding in various locations after they were captured on CCTV brandishing local weapons and participating in the Swamibagh gunfight on 30 August.
A case has been filed against the arrested individuals under the Arms Act at Jatrabari Police Station.
Police added that DB operations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other suspects involved in the shooting.
