6 arrested within 24 hours over Jubo Dal activist killing in Sitakunda

Police have arrested six people, including key accused and alleged shooter Md Arif Hossain, over the killing of Jubo Dal activist Tarek Hossain Bappi in Sitakunda, Chattogram.

The arrests were made within 24 hours of the killing, while police also recovered three firearms – a foreign-made pistol, a foreign-made revolver and a locally made gun, Chattogram Superintendent of Police Md Masud Alam said at a press conference today (18 October).

Preliminary investigation suggests the killing was planned over a dispute involving local dominance and financial interests, he added.

Police are also investigating whether the dispute was linked to the trading and supply of scrap from local industrial factories, particularly steel mills.

The killing took place around 10:50pm on Friday (16 October) at the Olinagar three-road intersection in Barabkunda union of Sitakunda.

According to police, Bappi was travelling on a motorcycle with his friend Imon when Arif and 10 to 15 associates, who were allegedly waiting in the area, attacked them.

The attackers forced the two off the motorcycle and assaulted them. Imon managed to escape, while Bappi was allegedly attacked with local weapons before being shot.

Preliminary information suggests he was hit by two bullets.

Another man, Shawon, was also seriously injured when he came forward to rescue Bappi and was attacked and shot, police said.

The six arrested are Md Arif Hossain, 29; Fakhrul Islam, 32; Abdul Mannan, 28; Md Iftekhar, 35; Ariful Islam Javed, 25; and Nur Ahmed Rony.

Following the killing, a special team comprising members of the District Detective Branch and Sitakunda police was formed to identify and arrest the suspects.

Police said they analysed CCTV footage, statements from local residents and intelligence information to identify those allegedly involved.

Ariful Islam Javed was arrested first after investigators traced Bappi's motorcycle, which was recovered from his possession.

Other suspects were arrested in subsequent raids. Police said four of them, including Arif, were trying to flee to Dhaka and other areas when they were arrested in Jorarganj.

Based on information provided by the arrested suspects, police later recovered the three firearms from near Arif's house.

Investigators have also seized bullet casings from the scene. The recovered firearms will be examined to determine whether any of them were used in the killing.

Regarding the possible motive, police said both Bappi and Arif were reportedly involved in businesses linked to local industries.

Investigators are also examining whether disputes over illegal sand extraction or other financial interests played a role.

Police said preliminary information suggested Arif was associated with Chhatra Dal, while Bappi was a local Jubo Dal activist.

However, the superintendent of police said the investigation will focus on criminal involvement rather than political identity, adding that no offender will be spared because of political affiliation or influence.