Metropolitan police officers have arrested nine individuals, including three retired army personnel, in connection with a violent armed robbery in Dhanmondi where 3.8 million taka was stolen at gunpoint.
The details of the operation were disclosed on Sunday morning during a press briefing led by Joint Commissioner (Crime) Md Faruq Hossain at the DMP Media Centre on Minto Road. The coordinated arrests followed a complex multi-district police operation across several areas, including Dakshinkhan, Mohammadpur, Baitul Mukarram, and as far as Kuakata in Patuakhali.
The suspects in custody have been identified as Tanvir Abedin, 41; Md Mojibur Rahman, 60; Md Zakir Hossain, alias Captain Zakir, 60; Md Solaiman Mridha, 55; Mohammad Kabir Hossain, 50; Abul Kalam Azad, 50; Md Zakariya Hossain, alias Lenin, 40; Sojol Chowdhury, 31; and Saymun Chowdhury, 33.
The heist unfolded on 30 August at approximately 2:10 pm outside the Dingi Restaurant on Road 12 in Dhanmondi. The victim, Khorshed Alam, had arrived carrying a large sum of cash under the impression that he was meeting associates to purchase gold. According to investigators, members of the gang involved in the gold trade lured buyers under the pretext of selling bullion, instructed them to bring cash, and then set up a trap.
While navigating the transaction, the victim was escorted via rickshaw towards the restaurant premises. Waiting at the scene was a group led by Zakariya Hossain, who signalled incoming accomplices. The gang intercepted the rickshaw, physically assaulted the victim, and forcefully seized 3.8 million taka before fleeing on motorbikes.
Officers from Dhanmondi Model Police Station, assisted by local residents, reacted immediately to the scene. They intercepted two fleeing suspects—Tanvir Abedin Jewel and Md Mojibur Rahman—and recovered a locally made revolver alongside four rounds of live ammunition.
Subsequent interrogations led investigators to Dakshinkhan, where they apprehended Md Zakir Hossain. Further intelligence-led raids across multiple regions yielded six additional arrests. Police have so far recovered 575,350 taka of the stolen funds, including 345,350 taka from Zakariya Hossain and 200,000 taka from Sojol Chowdhury.
Addressing reporters, Joint Commissioner Hossain confirmed that three of the detained suspects are retired military officers, some of whom previously served on deputation with the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB). Mojibur Rahman is a retired sergeant, Zakir Hossain is a retired honorary captain, and Solaiman Mridha retired as a senior warrant officer.
Several members of the gang possess extensive criminal backgrounds. Tanvir Abedin faces four prior charges related to robbery and mugging, whilst Sojol Chowdhury is named in six similar cases. Zakariya Hossain has two prior cases involving narcotics and attempted murder, and Abul Kalam Azad carries three previous charges.
Two separate cases—one for armed robbery and another under the Arms Act—have been registered at Dhanmondi Model Police Station. Special drives remain under way to recover the remaining stolen funds and apprehend outstanding members of the syndicate.
