Armed Gang Opens Fire in Broad Daylight in Chittagong

A shocking act of brazen daylight violence unfolded in Chittagong’s Hamjarbagh area on Sunday, as armed criminals opened fire at a construction site along the Muradpur-Oxygen Road. A video capturing the incident has gone viral on social media, spreading widespread alarm across the city.

According to witnesses, three young men entered an under-construction building beside a busy street. Two of them were armed and fired several rounds in rapid succession, causing workers to flee in panic. The assailants then crossed the crowded road, still brandishing firearms, before disappearing from the scene.

Local police confirmed that the attack was an intimidation tactic linked to extortion demands. The building’s owners, Mizan and Jasim, reportedly refused to pay a demand of approximately 8 million BDT made by fugitive criminal Sajjad Ali, who is believed to be operating from abroad. Authorities suspect that his followers were directly involved in executing the attack.

The Hamjarbagh community remains in a state of fear, with residents and business owners temporarily halting construction activities. Those affected have been reluctant to file formal complaints due to safety concerns.

Panchlaish Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge, Mohammad Solaiman, stated that CCTV footage has been reviewed and the perpetrators identified, though formal legal proceedings have yet to be initiated by the victims. Police operations are ongoing to apprehend the assailants, while local authorities continue to provide guidance and reassurance to the affected families.

This incident is the latest in a series of violent acts in Chittagong linked to the same criminal network. On November 5, gunfire erupted during a political event for BNP candidate Ershad Ullah in Chittagong-8, leaving five people injured and a local assailant killed. Although Sajjad Ali and 22 associates were implicated, the main shooters have not yet been apprehended. The gang, reportedly comprising over fifty members involved in murder, extortion, and armed violence, continues to pose a significant threat to local safety and commerce.

Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police, while investigations and security operations are being intensified in the affected areas.

Key Incident Summary