Authorities say a conflict over dominance led to the murder of an internet entrepreneur at a shisha lounge in Banani, Dhaka. Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident.
The revelation came during a press briefing held at RAB-1 headquarters in Uttara on Saturday at 11:00 am, where Battalion Commander Lieutenant Colonel Ashiqur Rahman provided details.
According to RAB, the victim, Rahat Hossain Rabbi, had longstanding disputes with Maksudur Rahman Hamza (26) and Md. Munna (27).
All three frequented the “Three Sixty” shisha lounge, and the confrontation escalated over a struggle for dominance, ultimately resulting in Rabbi being stabbed to death.
The suspects were apprehended in a joint operation by RAB-1 and RAB-11 on Friday from Gamrua area of Barura, Comilla. Maksudur Rahman is the son of Abdul Al Mamun Molla of Gangtiara, Debidwar, Comilla, while Munna is the son of Abdul Wahid from Mohammadpur Bus Stand, Dhaka.
Lieutenant Colonel Ashiqur Rahman described the incident: “On the day of the murder, Rabbi and his friend Nurul Islam Khokon went to the lounge. As they descended from the fourth to the second floor via the staircase, Munna and Hamza blocked Rabbi’s path. Rabbi recognized Munna and asked why he was there. A verbal altercation ensued, during which Munna drew a knife from his pocket and repeatedly stabbed Rabbi before fleeing. He was rushed to Kurmitola Hospital in critical condition, where doctors pronounced him dead.”
RAB officials said CCTV footage was reviewed and surveillance was conducted on the suspects. Acting on intelligence and technological assistance, Munna and Hamza were arrested from Comilla with support from RAB-11. A switchgear used in the murder was recovered from Rajia Sultana Road, Mohammadpur, based on information obtained from the suspects.
Lieutenant Colonel Ashiqur added that questioning revealed a long-standing rivalry over dominance at the lounge. On the night of August 14, around 1:00 am, Rabbi had reportedly asked Munna to leave the lounge, triggering an argument that escalated into murder.
The arrested suspects have been handed over to Banani Police Station.
For context, the incident occurred at Three Sixty Shisha Lounge, 100, Road No. 11, Banani, on Thursday, August 14. Rabbi’s father, Robiul Awal, filed a murder case with Banani Police Station the following day.
