Raozan in Chattogram is witnessing a significant rise in criminal activity, with six organised groups reportedly involved in various illegal operations, including contract killings, according to district police.
The details emerged during the investigation into the murder of BNP leader Abdul Hakim.
Police confirmed that the investigation has uncovered several sensitive details, including connections to stone and sand-related crimes. However, authorities are withholding full disclosure to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation.
“Criminals often seek political shelter to shield their activities, but anyone committing a crime is a criminal first and foremost. Political affiliation does not provide immunity from the law,” said Chattogram District Superintendent of Police (SP) Saiful Islam Santu.
15 individuals linked to Hakim murder
Investigators have identified 15 individuals connected to Abdul Hakim’s killing. Among them, five directly participated in the attack, one was present but did not fire, two tracked Hakim’s vehicle, and another maintained communication from across a bridge. So far, police have arrested six of the suspects.
Authorities said three to four motorcycles were used during the attack, one of which has been seized. Weapons recovered include four foreign-made pistols, a revolver, and two shotguns, all kept loaded at all times. SP Santu confirmed that a looted Chinese rifle with six rounds of ammunition was also recovered.
Crime trends in Raozan
According to police records, seven of the 16 murders in Raozan this year were linked to gang dominance disputes. Other killings were reportedly linked to cattle theft, extramarital affairs, drowning due to alcohol consumption, and family disputes. Arrests have been made in most cases, and investigations are ongoing.
SP Santu noted that police often face limitations in preventing targeted killings. “If the public provides timely information, many murders could be prevented. The Sarwar Babla case is a stark example, despite a large crowd witnessing the attack, no one intervened,” he said.
To address these challenges, Raozan police are introducing advanced technology, stepping up weapons recovery operations, increasing public engagement, and urging political parties to adopt anti-terrorism stances.
From 1 January to 31 January this year, Chattogram police recovered 106 firearms, 554 other weapons, 392 rounds of ammunition, and 178 cartridges. During this period, 88 cases were filed, and 133 individuals were arrested. Of 232 looted weapons, 201 have been retrieved, with 31 still missing.
“Police work tirelessly at night so the public can sleep safely. Those involved in criminal activities will face exemplary punishment,” SP Santu said.
Progress in Abdul Hakim Case
On the afternoon of 7 October, assailants on motorcycles blocked Abdul Hakim’s vehicle near Madunaghat Bridge in Chattogram and opened fire, fatally wounding him. Following the attack, the district intelligence branch and Hathazari police launched operations based on preliminary information and confidential reports.
On 31 October, Md Abdullah Khokon, also known as Prakash Langra Khokon, was arrested from Gorib Ullah Para in Bagoan Union, Raozan. He confessed to involvement in the killing and provided a statement under Section 164 in court. Based on his confession, Md Maruf was arrested on 2 November, followed by Md Saklain Hossain on 4 November, from whom police recovered a single-barrel gun, an LG, and a motorcycle.
On 9 November, a police raid at Chowdhuryhat, Noapara, led to the arrest of two more suspects. Authorities recovered four foreign pistols, a revolver, a Chinese rifle, a shotgun, ammunition, seven magazines, two homemade machetes, a rocket flare, 50 yaba tablets, around 250 grams of hemp, and Tk 96,000 in cash.
