Police take cautious approach in investigation

By the Editorial Team · Saturday, October 3, 2026

Police are investigating two violent events in Dhaka involving political figures and widespread vandalism, with seven arrests made but key suspects, including Mohammad Hanif Mia, still evading capture. The probes, which implicate BNP affiliates and target incidents near ECB Chattar, remain ongoing as authorities seek to hold all perpetrators accountable despite challenges.

Authorities continue to advance investigations into two recent violent incidents in Dhaka, though arrests remain limited and key suspects are still at large. The police are pursuing leads related to an attack linked to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) as well as a separate case involving vandalism and looting near the Eastern Bank Limited (ECB) Chattar area.

In the ongoing probe into the first incident, sources identified Mohammad Hanif Mia as the prime accused, who remains on the run despite police raids at his known locations. Investigators are also focusing on former Shah Ali Chhatra Dal convener Abul Kalam Azad, also known as Lelin, and former Dhaka Metropolitan Jubo Dal member secretary Mostafa Iqbal Pasha, referred to as Panel. A white microbus observed near the attack site has become a critical lead; Hanif, Lelin, and Pasha were reportedly seen in or near the vehicle. Authorities have conducted multiple searches to apprehend Pasha, while efforts to locate Hanif persist.

Local accounts describe Hanif and Lelin as close associates of Nurjahan Mishti, a BNP leader whose political lineage includes her late brother, former BNP leader Nasir Uddin Ahmed Pintu, who died in prison in 2015, and her deceased husband, former Dhaka City Corporation Ward 8 commissioner Sayedur Rahman Newton, who was shot in 2002. Mishti’s alleged involvement is under scrutiny, and Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed stated that legal action would be pursued if her complicity is confirmed. Additionally, Shah Ali Chhatra Dal joint general secretary Awlad Hossain, known as Nada Awlad, and Ward 93 BNP joint convener Md Ilias have been identified in connection with the assault but have not been detained.

Deputy Commissioner Hassan Mohammad Naser Rikabdar of Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Mirpur Division emphasized the department’s commitment to completing the investigation and securing arrests, even if the process extends over a year.

A parallel inquiry is underway regarding the attack, looting, and property damage at New Gini Properties in South Manikdi near ECB Chattar on September 26, where content creator Salman Muqtadir’s BrownFish Studio was also targeted. The investigation for this case has been transferred to the Detective Branch, as confirmed by Cantonment Police Station OC Mohammad Gias Uddin. The case lists 13 named suspects and references 150 to 200 unidentified individuals involved.

To date, seven arrests have been made. A notable recent development included the detention of retired Major General Golam Mohiuddin Chowdhury by the Detective Branch on September 30. Following their arrests, Dhaka courts granted remand for Golam Mohiuddin and three other accused—Md Mamun, Md Aslam, and Munna—for further interrogation.

Despite the progress, authorities face challenges in securing more arrests and fully unraveling the incidents. Investigations continue with the objective of holding all responsible parties accountable.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.