Police have yet to confirm the motive behind the killing of Pallabi Thana Jubo Dal member-secretary Golam Kibria on Monday, though one suspect has been detained.
The two shooters involved in the attack remain at large. Initial police findings suggest the murder may be linked to disputes over extortion money, internal feuds, turf rivalry and drug-related tensions.
According to police information, top-listed criminal “Pata Sohel” returned to Bangladesh from Dubai about two and a half months ago. Investigators say Sohel later planned Kibria’s murder following disagreements over sharing extortion proceeds.
A six-member team took part in the killing mission, including a backup unit. Jony, who was caught at the scene, is described by police as a contract killer. Top terror Mamun known as “Killer Mamun”—and Kibria were both close to Sohel, officials said.
Pallabi Police Station chief Shafiqul Alam said a case was filed on Tuesday following the killing on Monday night. Police are working to uncover the motive and identify all those involved.
Inspector Md Hanif, the case investigation officer, told TIMES of Bangladesh that Kibria’s wife Sabia Akhter Dina has filed a case naming Jony Bhuiyan, Sohel alias Pata Sohel, Masum alias Bhagina Masum, Sohag alias Kallu and Rokon, along with 5–7 unidentified suspects. Jony Bhuiyan has been arrested and will be placed on remand for interrogation, he added. Investigators are examining several leads, including turf rivalry and intra-party conflict.
Multiple Jubo Dal leaders from Pallabi and Mirpur, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Killer Mamun from Block “Dha” of Mirpur-12 may have been involved. Despite his past friendship with Kibria, there was reportedly an underlying conflict.
Mamun, a former Chhatra Dal activist and an accused in several murder cases, is believed to operate from Nepal while controlling businesses in Pallabi—including jhut (fabric scrap), cable TV, internet services, drugs and extortion. Underworld figures Shahadat and Ibrahim are said to be his close associates. Pata Sohel is regarded as one of Mamun’s trusted men.
Mirpur Division Deputy Commissioner of Police Mohammad Maksudur Rahman said investigators have found multiple possible motives. The name of Mamun of Block “Dha” has surfaced, but no clear evidence has emerged yet to confirm underworld involvement.
Meanwhile, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) reported that 198 murders have taken place in the capital over the past 10 months, including 18 in October alone. Police say suspects in most cases have been arrested within a short time. Family disputes, previous enmity, political conflicts and turf battles account for many of the killings.
DMP Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Talebur Rahman told reporters on Tuesday afternoon that the capital has averaged about 20 murders a month over the past 10 months. Police have solved most of the cases, he said.
Rickshaw-puller shot
Police said that on Monday evening, the autorickshaw driver Arif was near the road between Block C and Block A in Mirpur-11 when the Jubo Dal leader was shot. Two helmeted men boarded his rickshaw and ordered him to move quickly, threatening to shoot if he refused. When he hesitated, one of them shot him in the back before fleeing. Arif, a resident of Mirpur-12, is currently undergoing treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
