Cox’s Bazar, July 3 (V7N) — Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) in Cox’s Bazar has arrested two suspects in connection with a violent robbery and murder that occurred in Ukhiya upazila on June 23. The elite force also recovered four locally-made firearms and two rounds of ammunition during the operation.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Ahmad Sharif alias Sharifya Dakat, son of Omar Faruq from East Nurardail in Jaliapalong Union, and Rezaul Karim alias Babul, son of Syed Alam from West Ratna in Ratnapalong Union—both areas under Ukhiya upazila.
Ahmad Sharif is listed as the prime accused in the case filed following the incident. Rezaul Karim is reported to be his close accomplice.
At a press conference held at the RAB-15 Cox’s Bazar battalion headquarters at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, commanding officer Lt. Colonel Kamrul Hasan detailed the operation and the circumstances of the crime.
According to RAB, a group of 7–8 masked assailants stormed the house of Nurul Amin alias Babul and his brother Hasan Ali in the hilly region of East Nurardail, Ward No. 5 of Jaliapalong Union. The robbers tied up the residents at gunpoint and looted cash and gold ornaments.
Lt. Col. Kamrul Hasan explained that as the robbers attempted to flee with the stolen valuables, they encountered the homeowners—Nurul Amin and Hasan Ali—who had returned during the chaos. Upon being recognized by Nurul Amin, Ahmad Sharif reportedly fired a shotgun at close range, hitting Amin under the arm. The victim collapsed on the spot and later died at Cox’s Bazar District Hospital after being rushed there by family members.
RAB said the motive behind the attack may have been personal. According to the victim’s wife, Ahmad Sharif had previously harassed her with unwanted advances while her husband was working in Malaysia. She claimed he bore a grudge after she rejected him and had identified him during the robbery.
The following day, on June 24, she filed a case with Ukhiya Police Station naming Ahmad Sharif as the principal accused and seven to eight unidentified individuals as accomplices.
Acting on intelligence, RAB launched an operation late Wednesday night with support from local police. When the suspects attempted to flee their residence, the RAB team gave chase and successfully apprehended both.
A subsequent search of the premises led to the recovery of four homemade long-barrel guns, one live cartridge, and an empty shell casing.
RAB’s commanding officer confirmed that operations are ongoing to arrest the remaining suspects and recover the stolen items.
This incident highlights the rising concerns over armed robbery in remote areas of Cox’s Bazar and underscores the role of RAB in tackling violent crime.
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