Principal Suspect Arrested in Advocate Naeem Murder Case

In a significant breakthrough for the Dhaka legal community, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB-1) has apprehended the primary suspect in the brutal killing of Advocate Naeem Kibria. The suspect, identified as Jobayer Hossain Pappu, was detained on Sunday from the Baridhara area of the capital. According to a press release issued by RAB, the suspect has reportedly confessed to his involvement in the homicide during his initial interrogation.

The incident, which has been characterised as a tragic manifestation of "mob justice" or vigilante violence, occurred on the night of 31 December within the Bashundhara Residential Area. The victim, a member of the legal profession, had been visiting his relative, Rakibul Islam, in Rupganj on 17 December. On the fateful night of New Year’s Eve, Naeem ventured out in a private vehicle belonging to a business associate to tour the Bashundhara area.

According to investigators, the conflict was sparked by a minor vehicular collision involving a motorcycle. A heated altercation ensued between Naeem and the motorcyclists. Witnesses suggest that individuals from accompanying motorcycles joined the fray, forcibly removing Naeem from his vehicle and subjecting him to a merciless physical assault. Although he was rushed to Kurmitola General Hospital shortly after the attack, attending physicians pronounced him dead upon arrival. A formal murder case was subsequently registered at the Bhatara Police Station.

Backlash and Demands for Justice

The murder of a lawyer under such senseless circumstances has sent shockwaves through the judicial fraternity. On Sunday, a large contingent of legal professionals gathered outside the Dhaka Bar Association office in Old Dhaka to demand a swift trial and exemplary punishment for the perpetrators. Organised under the banner of the "Conscious Lawyers' Society," the human chain protest highlighted the rising trend of street violence and the vulnerability of citizens to mob-led aggression.

The protesters called upon the interim government to ensure that the investigation remains transparent and that all individuals involved in the "mob" are identified and brought to book, regardless of their political or social standing.

Case Fact Sheet: The Killing of Naeem Kibria

The arrest of Pappu is viewed as a critical step in de-escalating the tensions between the legal community and law enforcement. However, lawyers have vowed to continue their demonstrations until a formal charge sheet is submitted to the court.