Dhaka Police Arrest Five Including Key Extortionist Linked to Motijheel Shootings

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Dhaka Metropolitan Police have arrested Tanim Reza, a 46-year-old suspect accused of operating an organized extortion ring that targeted businessmen through threats of violence and targeted shootings. The arrest, confirmed by Additional Commissioner for Crime and Operations Mohammad Osman Gani during a briefing at the DMP Media Center on Saturday, marks a significant development in ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal syndicates operating in the capital’s Motijheel district.

Reza, who authorities allege acted as a primary shooter for the operation, was apprehended on Friday morning during a raid at the Hotel Purbani area. Following his arrest, police successfully tracked down and detained four additional accomplices: Mohammad Jewel, 48, Shakil, 27, Manik Kazi, 50, and Rakibul Islam Bhuiyan, 35.

The investigation into the gang’s activities intensified after a targeted shooting at a cattle market leaseholder’s office in South Kamalapur on May 19. Investigators determined that prior to the attack, the victim had received a demand for 1 million taka via WhatsApp from a foreign number, accompanied by explicit death threats if the payment was not made. Police officials noted that the suspects had remained in hiding for some time to evade law enforcement before being tracked to various locations.

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A subsequent search of Reza’s office in South Kamalapur yielded a significant cache of weaponry, including three foreign-made firearms—a revolver and two pistols—along with ammunition, magazines, an electric stun gun, and a Chinese axe. According to police, Reza has long been suspected of involvement in illicit activities ranging from cattle market extortion to acting on behalf of high-profile criminal figures.

Police records indicate that the primary suspect is already facing seven existing charges, including extortion, robbery, kidnapping, attempted murder, and drug-related offenses. Authorities are currently investigating potential links between the group and known top-tier criminals, though officials stated that such connections remain under scrutiny. The suspects are being processed through the judicial system, with police preparing to seek remand to conduct further interrogations regarding the scope of the criminal network.