Police arrest 2 in Billal murder case

Police have arrested two men in connection with the killing of former Ramna Thana Swechchhasebak Dal convener Billal Hossain Talukdar, as investigators point to a longstanding dispute over local control and extortion as the likely motive behind the murder.

The suspects, identified as Al Amin, convener of Ward No. 19 Jubo Dal, and Riaz, an activist of the same ward unit, were arrested in separate operations in Dhaka and Munshiganj.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Ramna Division) Sheikh Zahidul Islam said on Tuesday that the arrests were made following special drives carried out on the basis of intelligence information.

Billal was killed on Monday in the parking area of Anarkali Super Market adjacent to Siddheshwari Boys’ School in the capital.

A businessman involved in the cement and sand trade, Billal had previously served as convener of Ramna Thana Swechchhasebak Dal.

According to police, initial investigations indicate that the killing was linked to a prolonged conflict over footpath control, extortion activities and the exertion of local influence in the area.