Dhaka police arrest four for brutal killing of local political activist in revenge plot
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Dhaka Metropolitan Police have apprehended four individuals in connection with the brutal murder of local political activist Ibrahim Palash, whose life was taken in a targeted attack in the capital’s Sabujbagh area last month. Investigators revealed that the killing was rooted in a personal vendetta rather than political rivalry, with the primary suspect, Mostafa Hossain Royal, orchestrating the assault to avenge a physical confrontation involving his parents.
The incident occurred on the night of July 21, when 32-year-old Palash—a driver and member of the Sabujbagh Ward BNP—was cornered outside a tea shop near the Bagpara water pump. According to police reports, assailants armed with sharp weapons surrounded Palash and launched a frenzied attack, hacking off his wrists before fleeing the scene. He was rushed to Mugda General Hospital and subsequently transferred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Mohammad Harun-or-Rashid, Deputy Commissioner of the Motijheel Division of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police, confirmed that the investigation led to the arrest of four suspects. Mostafa Hossain and his accomplice, Mohammad Sabuj, surrendered to the court on July 26, following pressure from an intense police manhunt. Two other suspects, Mohammad Naim and Mohammad Ali, were taken into custody earlier in the investigation.
Police investigators established that the motive stemmed from a series of local disputes that culminated in a violent confrontation. Tension escalated after Palash mediated a conflict involving a local garage owner and an associate of the attackers. During the ensuing fallout, Palash allegedly assaulted Mostafa and his parents, prompting the latter to plan a retaliatory strike intended to maim Palash by severing his hands. While the suspects have reportedly claimed they did not initially intend to kill the victim, the severity of the wounds proved fatal.
Authorities recovered the victim’s right hand from a water-filled plot near the crime scene, and it has been sent to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for forensic examination. The left hand remains missing.
Officials noted that both the victim and the primary suspect were known to local law enforcement, each carrying records of previous criminal activity. Mostafa, who served as a joint convener of the Sabujbagh Ward Jubo Dal, faces at least seven active cases involving charges ranging from extortion and theft to physical assault and criminal intimidation. Palash also faced prior allegations, including a charge of attempted murder. Police stated that while further suspects have been identified, efforts to apprehend them remain ongoing.
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