Robbery of Tk 8 million posing as RAB, one detained

A man has been arrested in connection with a brazen robbery in which criminals posing as members of Bangladesh’s Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) allegedly looted Tk 8 million from a gold trader in Narayanganj. RAB-11 said the suspect was detained along with cash and valuables following a targeted operation.

The arrest was confirmed on Monday afternoon through an official press statement issued by RAB-11 Company Commander Md Naim Ul Haq, who is based at the Siddhirganj–Adamjee camp. According to the statement, the suspect, identified as Md Bellal Khan Tuhin, 38, was apprehended late on Sunday night at around 11:30 pm from the Nolkhola area under Dashmina Police Station in Patuakhali district.

Investigators said the robbery took place on the afternoon of 7 January on the busy Dhaka–Chattogram highway, within the jurisdiction of Jatrabari Police Station. Two traders from Haji Jewellery — Mozammel Haq Humayun, 52, and Fazle Rabbi, 28 — had earlier sold gold at Dhaka’s Baitul Mokarram market. Carrying Tk 8 million in cash, they boarded a bus from Gulistan to return to Narayanganj.

At around 3:00 pm, a white microbus allegedly intercepted the bus in the Matuail area. Several men introduced themselves as RAB personnel and ordered the two traders to disembark with their bag of money. The assailants then reportedly assaulted the victims, blindfolded them, and later abandoned them beneath the Langalbanda Bridge in Bandar upazila of Narayanganj before fleeing with the cash.

RAB said that during the arrest of Bellal Khan Tuhin, officers recovered Tk 237,910 in cash, an iPhone 16, two additional mobile phones, and a gold ring. During preliminary interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to his involvement in the crime.

The law enforcement agency emphasised that criminals impersonating elite forces pose a serious threat to public trust and safety. RAB-11 said efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest the remaining members of the gang involved in the robbery. Legal proceedings against the arrested suspect are currently under way.

Key Details of the Case

Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and to verify the identity of anyone claiming to be law enforcement officers, particularly during roadside interventions.