Big Sazzad in the spotlight for controlling Chittagong’s crime world from abroad

Throughout the past year, Chittagong has remained under the shadow of violent crime orchestrated by the notorious gangster Sazzad Ali, popularly known as Boro Sazzad. From extortion demands on construction site owners and businesspeople to public shootings and high-profile murders, Boro Sazzad’s name has consistently featured in criminal investigations.

Even recently, on Friday, Boro Sazzad’s associates opened fire at a businessman’s residence in the Chandanpura area of the city. Police allege that, though Sazzad has been living abroad, he continues to direct criminal operations in Chittagong through his loyal aides. Several associates have been arrested, but the majority remain at large.

Police report that over 500,000 residents in Chittagong’s Chandgaon, Bayazid Bostami, Panchlaish, and Hatahazari and Raozan areas live in fear due to the activities of Sazzad’s gang. In the last eighteen months, his followers have been linked to at least ten murders, including high-profile double killings. Some of these killings were carried out to assert dominance, while others were executed as hired assassinations. Sazzad Ali, however, denies all allegations.

Boro Sazzad: A Brief History

Born to Abdul Gani in the Chalitoli area of Bayazid Bostami, Chittagong, Sazzad Ali first came under public scrutiny on 2 June 1999, following the murder of then-councillor Liaqat Ali Khan. He allegedly led the notorious “Eight Murder” case in 2000, during which eight student leaders of Chittagong’s Awami League were shot dead. Arrested with an AK-47 in October 2000, he was released on bail in 2004 and subsequently fled abroad.

Initially, Sazzad formed his gang with Nurnobi Maxon, Sarwar Hossain, and Akbar Ali, who controlled the city’s criminal underworld. Maxon later died in India while evading a 21-year prison sentence, Sarwar left the gang, and since 2015, the gang’s domestic operations have been led by Chhoto Sazzad (Sazzad Hossain).

Recent High-Profile Incidents:

Boro Sazzad’s gang reportedly has at least 25 active members in the city. While Chhoto Sazzad remains incarcerated, operational leadership has shifted to close aides like Mohammad Raihan and Mobarak Hossain (Imon), who continue to perpetrate violent acts, including shootings and extortion, throughout Chittagong.

In response to these events, Chittagong police are coordinating with Interpol to apprehend Boro Sazzad abroad. Assistant Commissioner Aminur Rashid confirmed that the majority of murder case suspects have been arrested, but efforts are ongoing to dismantle the remaining network.

When contacted, Boro Sazzad denied involvement in killings or extortion, claiming that his family is wealthy and that he receives income from legitimate businesses and rented properties. He further denied any connection with Chhoto Sazzad or Raihan, though he acknowledged awareness of Sarwar’s criminal activities.

Chittagong’s law enforcement continues to struggle against this well-organised transnational criminal network, leaving residents in continued fear as the city heads into the new year.