Two Top Listed Terrorists Arrested in Kushtia – Subrata Bain and Molla Masud

Staff Reporter

In a coordinated operation by Bangladesh Army and intelligence agencies, two most-wanted top terrorists and their two associates have been arrested from Kushtia and Dhaka in a major counter-terrorism crackdown.

In the early hours of Tuesday, May 27, Subrata Bain alias Fateh Ali (60) and Abu Russell Masud alias Molla Masud (54) were arrested from Kushtia. Simultaneously, their associates Arafat alias Shooter Arafat and Sharif were apprehended from Hatirjhil area in the capital.

Lieutenant Colonel Sami-ud-Doula Chowdhury, Director of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), disclosed this information at a press conference held at Dhaka Cantonment.

He stated that the operation was launched around 5 AM based on classified intelligence inputs, showcasing the army’s operational expertise, intelligence capabilities, and commitment to national security.

Lt. Col. Sami said, “Among the arrested, Subrata Bain and Molla Masud are listed among the country’s 23 most-wanted terrorists. They are known as masterminds and leaders of the notorious ‘Seven Star’ crime syndicate.”

The operation involved the army’s 46 Independent Infantry Brigade along with multiple military and intelligence units. Five foreign pistols, 10 magazines, 53 rounds of ammunition, and a satellite phone were recovered during the raid.

The meticulously planned operation, following prolonged surveillance, was executed without any casualties.

The ISPR Director added, “This gang has long been involved in killings, extortion, and subversive activities across the country. Their arrest marks significant progress in safeguarding national security.”

The operation received support from Army Headquarters’ Military Operations Directorate, 55 Infantry Division, 14 Independent Engineer Brigade, 71 Mechanized Brigade, and National Security Intelligence (NSI).

The army urged citizens to immediately report any suspicious activities or terrorism-related information to nearest army camps or law enforcement agencies.

Where was Subrata Bain before capture in Bangladesh?

For over two decades, top terrorist Subrata Bain evaded capture by establishing hideouts in Kolkata and Nepal, from where he controlled his Bangladesh network. Kolkata Police’s special operation led by officer Rajeev Kumar arrested him from Palm Avenue in 2008. After prolonged detention in Kolkata jail, he secured bail and fled to Nepal, where he was re-arrested. He later escaped prison through a tunnel.

Nepal government accused Kolkata Police of diplomatic boundary violations during the operation, later resolved diplomatically.

Subrata Bain, a most-wanted terrorist, faces at least 30 murder charges. Until 2003, he headed Dhaka’s influential Seven Star crime syndicate. Rising to prominence in the 90s, he was among 23 top terrorists for whom Bangladesh Home Ministry announced rewards in 2001. He fled to India in 2003, settling permanently in Kolkata’s underworld.

Though Kolkata Police arrested him in 2008, he secured bail and went underground again. In 2009, Special Task Force learned of his Nepal entry. Arrested by Nepal Police at Kakarbhitta, he was jailed in Bhadrapur and later Jhumka. In 2012, he escaped through a 77-foot tunnel with 10 inmates, digging with bamboo-cutting knives to create a 20-inch wide passage. Kolkata officer Rajeev Kumar re-arrested him.

In 2012, West Bengal Police’s Crime Branch and STF jointly arrested Subrata Bain from Kolkata’s Bowbazar area. He is believed to have been pushed back to Bangladesh recently before his final capture.