The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has arrested four people in connection with the murder of businessman Kamrul Islam in Gowainghat, Sylhet.
RAB-9 announced the arrests on Wednesday (August 5), stating that the suspects were detained during an operation in the Lalabazar area of South Surma at around 3:00 pm.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Abdus Sobhan (54), son of the late Abdul Karim; Badrul Islam (34), son of Chomrul Islam; Azadur Rahman (32), son of Jain Uddin; and Moynul Islam (40), son of the late Abdus Salam. All are residents of Lengura village under Gowainghat Police Station in Sylhet.
According to RAB, the victim, Kamrul Islam, and the accused were from the same locality. Kamrul and another accused, Bilal Uddin, jointly operated a sand trading business and several other ventures. Around six to seven months before the incident, a dispute over business matters allegedly escalated into an altercation during which Bilal and his associates assaulted Kamrul. Following the incident, Kamrul's mother filed a case, further intensifying tensions between the two sides. The accused had allegedly continued to threaten Kamrul with death.
RAB said that on June 22, at around 12:45 pm, Kamrul was attacked near the Lengura graveyard in Gowainghat by Bilal and his associates. The assailants allegedly used locally made weapons to seriously injure him before fleeing the scene after issuing further death threats.
Kamrul was initially taken to Gowainghat Upazila Health Complex by his family members before being referred to Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital. He died while undergoing treatment at around 5:00 pm the same day.
Following the incident, Kamrul's mother filed a murder case with Gowainghat Police Station. RAB subsequently launched an investigation that led to the arrest of the four suspects.
The detainees have been handed over to Gowainghat Police Station, RAB-9 Media Officer and Additional Superintendent of Police K.M. Shahidul Islam Sohag confirmed.
