DMP: Trade dispute over stolen Palli Bidyut wires led to Sohag's murder

Md Sohag, a scrap trader, was murdered in Old Dhaka due to a prolonged business rivalry over the illegal trade of stolen aluminium wires, not for political reasons, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) stated on Wednesday.

“Sohag had been engaged in the trade of stolen aluminium wires from the Palli Bidyut network for 17 years, selling them to factories that manufacture aluminium utensils,” said DMP Additional Commissioner (Crime and Operations) SN Md Nazrul Islam during a press briefing at the DMP Media Centre.

He explained that another local group had recently entered the same illicit trade, sparking intense competition that ultimately led to Sohag’s murder.

“There was no attempt to disrupt the election or embarrass the government. This was purely a matter of personal and commercial conflict,” Nazrul emphasized.

DMP Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali, also present at the briefing, said the individual seen hurling a stone at Sohag was initially unidentified, but a special police team later arrested him in Patuakhali on Tuesday night.

So far, nine individuals have been arrested in connection with the case.

“Immediately after the incident, the in-charge of the Chawkbazar police outpost, Sarwar, detained two suspects—Mahbub and Mohin—from the scene. Based on witness testimony and CCTV evidence, seven others were apprehended later,” Sajjat Ali added.

He identified the latest arrestee as Rezwan Uddin Abhi, son of Manoranjan Basu and Beauty Deb Milla, noting that he is a converted Muslim.

The DMP commissioner affirmed that efforts are underway to capture the remaining suspects and promised that all involved will face justice and receive exemplary punishment.

When asked about political connections, he said, “Anyone may have political affiliations, but this incident was not politically motivated.”

He also acknowledged that Sohag previously operated under political protection during the Awami League’s tenure, leveraging ties with former commissioner Pillu, a nephew of MP Haji Selim, to run his scrap business.