Police arrest two Chhatra Dal leaders following targeted shooting at BNP office bearer residence in Dhaka

Police have arrested two individuals, including a local Chhatra Dal leader, in connection with a shooting at the residence of Demra Thana BNP convener SM Reza Chowdhury Salim in the capital. Investigators have identified a total of eight suspects, allegedly led by Demra Thana Chhatra Dal convener Md. Masud Rana, who orchestrated the attack.

Authorities apprehended Masud Rana and his associate, Tarikul Islam, also known as Tapas, in the Rupganj area of Narayanganj on Monday. Following their arrest, police recovered two pistols, a single-barrel shotgun, and eight rounds of ammunition from their possession.

Demra Thana Officer-in-Charge (OC) Taifur Rahman Mirza confirmed that the assailants arrived at the residence on four motorcycles. While two suspects are currently in custody, the official declined to provide further details, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.

Security camera footage from the incident, which occurred at approximately 4:10 a.m. on Friday, August 28, shows four motorcycles arriving in front of the residence in the Sarulia area of Demra. One suspect was seen retrieving a shotgun from a cricket bat bag, while another drew a pistol. The group fired multiple shots at the building before fleeing the scene. No injuries were reported, though the attack caused significant panic in the neighborhood.

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Reza Chowdhury, who filed a case with the Demra police, alleged that the attack was a reprisal for his efforts to curb local drug trafficking. According to the plaintiff, after the political transition on August 5, 2024, Masud Rana began consolidating control over local drug syndicates that had previously operated under the support of the Awami League. Chowdhury stated that he had repeatedly confronted Masud regarding these illegal activities, leading to direct threats from the suspect.

Investigative sources suggest that the motive extends beyond the crackdown on drug sales. Authorities are also examining internal conflicts within local factions regarding the control of extortion rackets, including those involving footpaths and transport stands. While Chowdhury has vehemently denied any involvement in extortion, investigators maintain that the struggle for territorial dominance in the area played a significant role in the assault.