The rise of Subrata Bain, the leader of the most notorious criminal ‘Seven Star’ gang in Dhaka’s dark underworld, began in the 1990s around Vishal Centre in Moghbazar area of the metropolis.
Once a restaurant worker at a small eatery named “Changpai” near the shopping complex, Subrata Bain gradually became a gangster for his direct involvement in various criminal activities.
Over time, Vishal Center became the headquarters for his operations, earning the dreaded criminal the nickname “Vishaler Subrata” (Subrata of Vishal).
Subrata Bain was named in the list of top 23 most-wanted criminals on December 25, 2001. An Interpol red notice remains active against him, with his age listed as 55.
The Ministry of Home Affairs had also offered a bounty for information leading to his capture.
Despite years in hiding, Subrata Bain resurfaced dramatically on September 29 last year.
Witnesses say Subrata along with a group of aides staged a show of force at Vishal Center, reportedly over a dispute involving the takeover of a shop.
Subrata reportedly held discussions with several local businessmen spreading panic among traders.
Even after decades, Subrata’s name continues to evoke fear in Dhaka’s gang world and business circles.
His arrest in Kushtia signals a renewed crackdown on underworld dons.
His influence reportedly extended into city corporations and multiple public and private institutions, where contractors were often pressured to acknowledge his authority before beginning any project.
Several months ago, contractors from Dhaka South and North City Corporations alerted law-enforcement agencies about Subrata’s reappearance and renewed activities.
It was reported that they were explicitly told to “keep Subrata’s interests in mind” before taking on any contracts.
A man named Sarwar is known to act as Subrata’s primary representative, handling most of his affairs. He is also closely linked to Shariful, a resident of Aminbazar in Savar, who is believed to be part of his inner circle.
Additionally, Subrata’s former driver, Osman, has rejoined him in recent times.
Others known to be close associates of Subrata include individuals named Zillur and Shah Badol, among a few more.
Earlier, Subrata was arrested in India.
After being released from prison there, he secretly returned to Dhaka and went into hiding. Following a change in government, he gradually became active again. He was reportedly seen in several areas of the capital, including Moghbazar, Ramna and Gulshan.
As law-enforcing agencies intensified their anti-criminal drive, Subrata Bain fled the capital and went into hiding in Kushtia just a few days ago.
On Tuesday morning, he was arrested along with his top associate Molla Masud from a house behind Kushtia District Jail.
According to local sources, a team of army personnel surrounded the house early morning and captured the fugitive duo after a three-hour operation.
The operation took place in the Kalishankarpur area of Kushtia town. After capture, both criminals were transported to Dhaka for further interrogation.