In a significant breakthrough for law enforcement, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has apprehended a primary suspect in the brutal killing of a senior officer. The suspect, identified as Aliraj Hassan (also known as Sagar), 30, was detained late Saturday night during a targeted raid in the Sugandha Point area of Cox’s Bazar.
The Fatal Ambush in Sitakunda
The arrest stems from a violent confrontation that took place on 19 January 2026 in the Salimpur region of Sitakunda, Chattogram. According to official reports, a small contingent of RAB personnel was conducting an intelligence-led operation to apprehend high-profile criminals when they were suddenly encircled and ambushed.
A mob, estimated to consist of between 400 and 500 individuals, launched a coordinated assault on the elite force members. The sheer scale of the mob hindered the officers’ ability to retreat or neutralise the threat effectively. During the ensuing chaos, four RAB members sustained critical injuries.
Deputy Assistant Director (DAD) Abdul Motaleb, a dedicated veteran of the force, bore the brunt of the assault. Although he was rushed to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Chattogram, medical staff were unable to resuscitate him, and he was tragically pronounced dead upon arrival.
Casualty and Case Overview
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Primary Casualty | DAD Abdul Motaleb (Deceased) |
| Injured Personnel | 3 RAB members (Currently undergoing treatment) |
| Incident Location | Salimpur, Sitakunda, Chattogram |
| Date of Ambush | 19 January 2026 |
| Criminal Charges | Murder and Obstruction of Government Duty |
| Suspect Detained | Aliraj Hassan alias Sagar (Age 30) |
Pursuit of Justice
Following the tragedy, RAB-7 filed a comprehensive case at the Sitakunda Police Station, citing murder and the violent obstruction of state duties. Senior Assistant Director (Media) ARM Mozaffar Hossain confirmed that the arrest of Aliraj Hassan was the result of meticulous surveillance and “covert intelligence” tracking the suspect to the coastal town of Cox’s Bazar, where he was allegedly attempting to hide.
The authorities believe the ambush was a calculated attempt by local criminal elements to intimidate law enforcement and protect illicit activities in the Salimpur area. While Aliraj Hassan has been transferred to Sitakunda Police Station for interrogation, the hunt continues for the remaining ringleaders of the 500-strong mob.
RAB officials have reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that every individual involved in the “heinous” act faces the full extent of the law. The three other officers injured in the attack remain under close observation at CMH, though they are reported to be in stable condition.
