Professional shooters are ready for action

Recent waves of targeted killings by professional ‘shooters’ under the patronage of top-tier criminals have sent shockwaves across public consciousness in Bangladesh. Despite multiple emergency meetings convened by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Police Headquarters, and the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), the situation remains tense and unresolved.

Crime analysts warn that, with elections approaching, a fierce struggle for territorial dominance is underway. Without prompt and intensified action by law enforcement agencies, the frequency of lethal criminal incidents is likely to increase.

The latest high-profile killing occurred in Tezturi Market, Farmgate, Dhaka, where Azizur Rahman Mosabbir, former General Secretary of the North Dhaka Volunteer Party, was shot dead. Police have arrested three suspects linked to organised criminal networks. Preliminary interrogations indicate that these individuals are active members of professional killer groups.

It is not only Mosabbir’s killing that underscores the threat; senior criminals are reportedly orchestrating operations from behind the scenes, directing affiliated professional assassins to maintain control over Dhaka’s criminal underworld.

Police sources confirm connections between recent shootings and these organised groups. On 12 December, Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the Inqilab Manch in Purana Paltan, was shot, and investigations revealed the involvement of professional killers. Since then, at least nine other shootings across the capital and nationwide have been linked to the same networks.

Table: Recent High-Profile Shootings in Bangladesh

Since the change of government on 5 August 2024, six senior criminals were released on bail following lengthy prison terms. These include Sweden Aslam, Sanjidul Islam (Emon) of Hazaribagh, Abbas Ali (Killer Abbas) of Mirpur, Imamul Hasan Helal (Pichi Helal) of Mohammadpur, and Khondakar Nayeem Ahmed (Titon) and Khorshed Alam (Rasu/Freedom Rasu). They now reportedly control criminal activities both domestically and abroad. Another top criminal, Zisan, continues operations from overseas through local associates.

Investigations reveal that Emon’s aide, Roni, orchestrated the murder of Mamun, carried out by two professional shooters for 200,000 Taka. Mamun’s widow, Bilkis Akter Dipa, confirmed, “He was killed on Emon’s orders.”

When asked whether these incidents could affect the upcoming elections, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs Nasimul Ghani stated, “It is difficult to predict. The impact depends on who the victims are.”

A recent DMP intelligence report warns that some political leaders may be employing criminal networks as ‘hired muscle’ in anticipation of the polls, intensifying the already volatile law and order situation.