List of 3,000 armed criminals prepared ahead of polls, 352 identified as shooters

With just five days left before the national election, two intelligence agencies have prepared a nationwide list of armed criminals and top offenders.

Police sources said the list includes around 3,000 individuals, including 124 militants and 352 identified as shooters.

Gunfire erupted during clashes between supporters of BNP candidates and rebel candidates in Munshiganj’s Munshikandi area last Saturday. Police identified four armed individuals, including Ekram Dewan, who is yet to be arrested.

Top Dhaka criminal Sheikh Mohammad Aslam, also known as Sweden Aslam, faces 22 cases including nine murders. Despite serving 20 years in prison and securing bail in September 2024, he has again been listed as an armed criminal. Roni, a rival in the Tariq Saif Mamun murder case in Old Dhaka, is also on the list.

Other listed figures include Imam Ul Hossain alias Picchi Helal, Sanjidul Islam alias Imon, SM Arman, Khorshed Alam alias Freedom Rasu and many others.

Police headquarters has issued special instructions to superintendents of police in all 64 districts and commissioners of eight metropolitan police units to take legal action ahead of the election.

Police analysis shows most listed individuals have no political identity. Only 20 have political affiliations, including 19 linked to banned Awami League affiliated organisations and one member of Chattogram city unit of Chhatra Dal.

IGP Baharul Alam said surveillance of listed individuals is purely preventive and lawful, aimed solely at ensuring a free, fair and peaceful election.