Brutal Attack Linked to Police Outpost Rent Dispute

A violent attack allegedly triggered by a dispute over renting premises for a police outpost has shocked residents of Gazaria upazila in Munshiganj district, raising fresh concerns about organised crime and local security. Abdul Kaiyum Dewan, a 38-year-old businessman, was critically injured in a targeted assault involving firearms and sharp weapons and is currently fighting for his life at Dhaka Medical College Hospital.

The incident occurred at approximately 4:30 pm on Friday, 6 February, in front of the Guagachhia Central Mosque. According to eyewitnesses and family members, Dewan had just completed Asr prayers and was leaving the mosque when a group of armed assailants surrounded him. The attackers reportedly opened fire at close range and then assaulted him with sharp weapons, inflicting severe injuries. He sustained four bullet wounds to his leg, while tendons in his hands and legs were slashed, causing massive blood loss.

Dewan was initially taken to Bhoberchar Health Complex, but as his condition deteriorated rapidly, doctors referred him to Dhaka Medical College Hospital. He was admitted to the One Stop Emergency Centre (OSEC), where physicians described his condition as extremely critical due to excessive bleeding and multiple traumatic injuries.

Family members allege that the attack was directly linked to Dewan’s decision to rent out a building for the establishment of a local police outpost in Guagachhia. According to his younger brother, Md Main Uddin Dewan, Kaiyum Dewan is a well-established businessman and industrial investor, particularly in the garment sector, and is also known locally for his involvement in social and humanitarian initiatives.

When the administration sought premises for a police outpost in the area, local residents reportedly refused to provide space. Dewan and his family, citing civic responsibility, agreed to rent out a building. Following the establishment of the outpost, illegal sand extraction, extortion activities and drug trading in the area allegedly declined sharply. This, the family claims, angered a powerful criminal group that had long controlled such activities.

According to relatives, Dewan received repeated threats—both overt and covert—pressuring him to withdraw his support for the police outpost. Tensions in the area had previously escalated into clashes between criminal groups and law enforcement agencies. On 8 September last year, the Home Affairs Adviser reportedly visited the area, ordered an investigation and instructed a joint security force to monitor the situation. Although conditions stabilised temporarily, hostility resurfaced in recent months.

The family further alleges that those involved in the attack are linked to long-running operations involving illegal sand extraction, drug trafficking, extortion and land grabbing, and that several criminal cases, including murder charges, are pending against them at different police stations.

Md Faruk, in-charge of the police outpost at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, confirmed that a gunshot victim from Munshiganj had been admitted and that the matter had been reported to the relevant police station. He said legal action would follow after investigation.

Incident at a Glance

The incident has sparked widespread anger and anxiety among local residents. The victim’s family and community members are demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible and exemplary punishment, warning that failure to act decisively could further embolden criminal networks in the area.