Underworld Chaos Strikes Ahead of Elections

The nation’s criminal underworld is in turmoil as the general election approaches. Turf wars, power struggles, and violent feuds are intensifying, while new criminals and modern weapons continue to appear on the streets. Intelligence reports have warned of serious changes in the underworld’s power dynamics. The killing of top gangster Mamun outside court has sparked unrest from Dhaka to Chittagong.

Colonel Iftikhar Ahmed of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) assured that public safety will be a priority and law and order will be maintained. He noted that the RAB’s work in Chittagong and Sylhet has already proved effective and that operations to dismantle legal arms networks are ongoing.

Sanjidaul Haque Imon, a key Dhaka gangster, is now directing operations from abroad, with close aides handling extortion and killings across Dhanmondi, New Market, Elephant Road, and Hazaribagh. Imon, currently in Malaysia, Thailand, and Cambodia, is preparing to move to Canada and has already purchased a luxury home in Montreal.

Mirpur has seen the rise of a violent new gang called ‘Four Star’, led by Mamun, Ibrahim, Shahadat, and Mukhtar. Although their leaders are abroad, over a hundred young gang members, many teenagers, are terrorising the local community. One key figure manages operations from Dubai, while others handle local criminal activity. Recently, attacks occurred in Pallabi and Bashantek over unpaid extortion, while open extortion continues in Agargaon and Kazipara.

Following last year’s political upheaval, several major gangsters were released from prison, including Imon and other notable figures returning from India and the USA. Disputes over territory and old rivalries have triggered a spate of killings across Dhaka.

Yesterday, gangster Tarik Saif Mamun was shot dead near the courthouse, reportedly by Imon’s group. Mamun had survived a similar attack two years ago, but this time was killed during a second attack.

Dhaka police confirmed that intelligence operations are being strengthened to control crime. Since January 2025, at least 40 people have been killed in Mirpur alone, including 15 in Pallabi. Murders have also been reported in Darussalam, Kafrul, Bashantek, Shah Ali, Rupnagar, and Mirpur Model Thana, reflecting underworld rivalries.

Chittagong is also facing underworld violence. Six leading gangsters and their followers, including Baro Sajjad, Choto Sajjad, Raihan Alam, Mobarak Hossain Imon, Shahidul Islam Buysya, and Ismail Hossain Tempu, have been committing attacks. Over the past 13 months, at least 15 murders have occurred amid political disputes and territorial battles. Recent shootings include BNP candidate Ershad Ullah and local gangster Sarwar Hossain Babla, triggering more violence in the city.

Confidential sources reveal that many firearms stolen from law enforcement remain in gang hands, alongside sophisticated weapons smuggled across borders. Ahead of the election, gangs are targeting key individuals, raising concerns about an increase in targeted killings.