Police are monitoring five to six suspects in connection with the murder of BNP joint secretary Kamrul Ahsan Shadhon in Moddho Badda. While Shadhon’s wife Dilruba Akter reported he left home abruptly after receiving a phone call before the killing, investigators have yet to confirm the caller’s identity.
Authorities initially don’t suspect political or business motives, awaiting arrests for definitive conclusions. Investigators indicate the murder may stem from a turf war between local gangs controlling cable TV, internet services, and extortion in Badda.
In her case filing (No 33), Dilruba stated Shadhon sustained gunshot wounds to his neck, shoulders, back, lower chest, and abdomen. Rushed to Mohakhali Chest Hospital via autorickshaw and later to the National Heart Foundation by ambulance, he was declared dead upon arrival. An autopsy was conducted at Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital.
Analyzing CCTV footage, Badda Zone Assistant Commissioner HM Shafiqur Rahman said: “Two shooters initially walked from Shadhon’s location toward the lake side, waited briefly, then fired at close range when the crowd had thinned.”
As far as CCTV footage from other cameras could track their movements, they were seen walking normally. However, since both of them were wearing masks the entire time, their faces could not be identified, the police official added.
Regarding the mysterious phone call, Rahman noted: “We’re examining all angles, including the call.” A police official choosing to remain anonymous told Times of Bangladesh: “Based on the suspects’ physique in CCTV footage, we have shortlisted 5-6 individuals. However, call detail records (CDR) don’t place them near the crime scene then.”
A senior DMP officer confirmed to Times of Bangladesh that Shadhon was likely killed due to conflicts between local gangs vying for control of cable/internet services and extortion rackets in Badda.