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Authorities have yet to determine the motive behind the killing of Shahriar Alam Shammo, a Dhaka University student and leader of the BNP’s student wing, despite multiple arrests and confessions.
Although a media briefing was held to provide updates on the investigation into the murder of Dhaka University Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) leader Shahriar Alam Shammo, Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sheikh Md Sazzat Ali was unable to shed slight on the motive, reports bdnews24.com.
Detective Branch (DB) Joint Commissioner Mohammad Nasirul Islam described it as an “immediate” incident in the initial investigation, saying the accused are on remand and police are trying to determine the motive.
Sazzat confirmed the arrest of eight people: Mehedi Hasan, Nahid Hasan Papel, Sujon Sarker, Hridoy Islam, and Robin, Rabbi, Shohag, and Ripon - all identified with single names.
Among them, Papel confessed and gave a statement in a Dhaka court on Tuesday. At the same time, Rabbi and Mehedi were placed on a five-day remand.
On Monday, Sohag, Hridoy, and Robin were also remanded. That same day, Ripon confessed and gave a court statement, while Sujon was sent to jail.
Shammo was stabbed at Suhrawardy Udyan around 11pm on May 13. He was taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital around midnight, where the doctor on duty declared him dead.
Shammo was a student of the 2018-19 academic year at the Institute of Education and Research of Dhaka University. He was also the literature and publication secretary of the Sir AF Rahman Hall unit of the BNP's student front. He hailed from Sirajganj’s Belkuchi.
On Wednesday, his older brother Shariful Alam filed a case with Shahbagh Police Station, accusing 10 to 12 people.
Nasirul has blamed Mehedi’s group, alleged to be the “leader” of a drug trafficking ring operating in Suhrawardy Udyan.
Mehedi is currently under arrest, and based on his information, the murder weapon, a switchgear, was recovered from the spot.
Nasirul said, “On the day of the incident, Shammo and two of his friends went to Suhrawardy Udyan on a motorcycle.
“Mehedi’s associate Rabbi was carrying a taser gun. When Shammo asked about it, a fight broke out, and eventually, other people joined, leading to a scuffle.
“The murder took place during that time.”
According to information gathered so far, Shammo was stabbed by Rabbi.
However, Shammo’s elder brother, Sardar Aminul Islam, believes the murder was pre-planned. He expressed frustration over not knowing the motive behind the killing.