Spate of Five Murders in 27 Days Sparks Security Concerns in Sylhet

A spate of five murders in Sylhet city over the past 27 days has sparked significant public concern regarding local law and order. The string of violent incidents, occurring between July 27 and August 23, includes a triple homicide and the targeted killing of a local businessman.

The most recent casualty, businessman Shahabuddin, was fatally stabbed near his home in the Islamabad area of the city late Sunday night. According to his family, assailants attacked him with sharp weapons as he was returning from his shop, located near the main gate of the Hazrat Shah Paran shrine. Relatives reported that the victim sustained multiple deep wounds to his neck and throat. Notably, the attack does not appear to have been motivated by robbery, as his smartphone and cash remained untouched.

This incident follows the brutal triple homicide on August 12 in the Raynagar Mitali residential area. The victims included Abdus Sattar, a former director of the Sylhet Chamber of Commerce, his wife Suraiya Begum, and their domestic worker, Tahmina. Police have arrested one suspect, Babul Mia, in connection with this case. Authorities stated that the suspect confessed in court to entering the home for the purpose of theft, during which he killed the domestic worker upon being discovered, subsequently murdering the couple as well.

Earlier, on the night of July 27, a teenager named Rifat Ahmed was fatally stabbed on the Kazir Bazar Bridge following a dispute over a football match. Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) personnel arrested one suspect, Jewel Ahmed, on August 21 in connection with that killing.

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In response to the deteriorating security situation, Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir held a meeting with the Sylhet Metropolitan Police Commissioner on August 22. Speaking to reporters afterward, the Minister emphasized that authorities are committed to eliminating drug trafficking, online gambling, and the influence of youth gangs within the city.

Sylhet Metropolitan Police Additional Deputy Commissioner (Media) Md. Monjurul Alam stated that law enforcement is currently intensifying patrols, deploying mobile teams, and gathering intelligence to curb criminal activity. He urged citizens to avoid taking matters into their own hands regarding personal, business, or land-related disputes and instead seek legal recourse.

Despite these assurances, civil society representatives have voiced alarm over the frequency of the violence. Syeda Shirin Akter, president of the local branch of the Conscious Citizens Committee (SANAK), noted that the rapid succession of homicides has left residents feeling vulnerable and called for a more robust presence and proactive measures from the security forces.