Peaceful Chittagong turns into a terror hotbed, 785 murders in 14 months

Staff Correspondent

Drug trafficking, expansion of dominance, factional conflicts, past enmity, political disputes, family feuds, and disputes over land – for various reasons, the peaceful town of Chittagong has become a town of terror.

Murders are happening one after another across the division. Crime experts say that murders and terrorism are increasing not only in Chittagong but also across the country during the Yunus government’s tenure. There are allegations that those associated with the Yunus government are instigating murders and terrorism in various places or are not taking action even when murders occur.

According to the police headquarters, police website and Chittagong Metropolitan Police, a total of 785 murder cases were registered in Chittagong division in the 14 months from September last year to October this year. Of these, 82 were registered in Chittagong city and 703 in the other 11 districts of the division. On average, about 56 murders were registered every month.

On October 28, Chhatra Dal activist Sajjad was killed in a shootout between two groups in Baklia. Police have arrested eight people suspected of involvement in the incident.

On October 25, Jubo Dal activist Muhammad Alamgir was shot dead in Raozan. On October 23, a woman named Ripu Akhtar was killed in a land dispute in Banshkhali. On October 21, schoolboy Tanvir was stabbed to death by his classmates in Hathazari.

On October 1, autorickshaw driver Habibur Rahman was killed by robbers in Sitakunda. On September 6, Akib Hossain was stabbed to death due to extramarital affairs. On July 25, Md. Mohiuddin was killed in Baklia for dominating the drug trade.

Apart from this, 17 murders have taken place in Raozan Upazila in 14 months, with various factors including political dominance, sand mining, and business disputes being involved.

In October this year, 64 murder cases were registered in Chittagong Division; 62 in September, 45 in August, 55 in July, 60 in June, 61 in May, 77 in April, 72 in March, 53 in February and 54 in January. Last year, 54 murder cases were registered in September, 58 in October, 34 in November and 36 in December. The highest number of murder cases was 77 in April this year.

A review of some incidents has shown that illegal firearms are being used in many murders and several targeted killings have also taken place. These firearms were looted from police stations after the fall of the Awami League government on August 5. There is multiple evidence that they are now in the possession of cadres of Jamaat-Shibir, NCP and BNP.

Chittagong Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Aminur Rashid said, “Any murder case in Chittagong is investigated with the highest priority. Most of the accused have been arrested.”

Chittagong Range DIG Office Police Superintendent (Crime Management) Md. Akramul Hossain said, “Many times, murders are happening for trivial reasons. We are working to raise awareness through community policing, beat police and police stations. In addition, illegal firearms have also been recovered.”

Senior lawyer Advocate Akhtar Kabir Chowdhury, president of the Conscious Citizens Committee (SANAK) Chittagong, said that these killings are increasing due to the deterioration of the law and order situation. The weapons that were in the hands of the terrorists before August 5 have not been recovered. Many weapons looted from the police station have not yet been recovered. Now these firearms are being used by the criminals.

He further alleged that the lack of responsibility and accountability under the current unelected government is making criminals more reckless. Many terrorists have been released on bail and are back in crime.

He also said that as the elections approach, arms recovery, joint operations and administrative measures will be strengthened. Whichever government comes to power, their main responsibility will be to improve the law and order situation.