4 confess to killing BNP activist Ibrahim Palash, police recover severed wrist 

Police today (4 August) said four accused had confessed before a court to the murder of BNP activist Ibrahim Palash, 32, in Dhaka's Sabujbagh, as investigators recovered the victim's severed wrist and other evidence used in the killing. 

Police described the murder as a premeditated act of revenge and said they had solved the case.

According to police, two accused – Md Nayeem and Md Ali – were arrested, while the alleged mastermind, Md Mostafa Hossain Royel, and his associate, Md Sabuj, surrendered before a court following sustained police operations and intelligence surveillance. 

All four later gave confessional statements under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

Police said investigators identified the suspects through CCTV footage, digital evidence, witness statements and raids at multiple locations. Based on information provided by the accused, officers recovered two locally made sharp weapons measuring 28 and 26 inches, allegedly used in the murder.

Investigators also recovered Palash's severed right thumb from the crime scene and the remaining portion of his right hand, including the wrist, from a location identified by the accused. All recovered evidence has been seized in accordance with legal procedures.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Motijheel Division) Mohammad Harun Ur Rashid said investigators have identified other alleged accomplices, but their identities are being withheld to avoid compromising the investigation and efforts to arrest them.

According to the investigation, the dispute began several days before the murder when Sabuj's nephew, Tanvir, was beaten by a rickshaw garage manager for urinating inside the garage. Sabuj later assaulted the manager. 

After the garage owner, Rasul, sought arbitration from Palash, the BNP activist allegedly chased Sabuj with a group. Sabuj took shelter at Royel's house before escaping over a wall. Police said Palash later argued with Royel and assaulted him and his parents, prompting Royel to plan revenge.

Investigators said Royel and his associates decided to sever Palash's hands. On 21 July, they allegedly ambushed him with locally made sharp weapons outside Sohag's tea stall near the Bagpara water pump. Police said Royel first struck Palash, severing his right thumb as he tried to defend himself. 

When Palash attempted to flee, the attackers allegedly chased him, knocked him to the ground, repeatedly hacked him, severed both hands and fled with the detached limbs. Locals rushed him to hospital, where doctors declared him dead.