Masked criminals opened fire, targeting the residence of Mujibur Rahman, owner of Chattogram-based Smart Group, in the port city today, demanding crores of taka in extortion.
According to police, the incident took place around 6:30am in the Chandannpura area under Chawkbazar Police Station.
Mujibur was an Awami League lawmaker from the Chattogram-16 constituency before the fall of Hasina government on August 5, 2024.
This is the second gunfire attack on his house, triggering huge panic among locals in the area. No casualties were reported, though he and other family members were inside at the time.
Following the attack, senior officials of the city police visited the scene.
Earlier, on January 2, his house was attacked in a similar style for extortion.
Confirming the matter, Deputy Commissioner (South) of Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) Hossain Kabir Bhuiya, told journalists, “The shots were fired from the back of the house to intimidate him over extortion. This time, attackers arrived in a private car and on motorcycles, fired from the rear end of the house, and fled shortly.”
“We suspect all the attackers are followers of terrorist Boro Sazzad. A similar attack was carried out on his house earlier on January 2. We are trying to identify them,” he said.
CCTV footage shows three masked men approaching from behind the house. One was carrying a pistol, another an SMG, and the third had a shotgun. The three began firing indiscriminately at the house. Approximately 15 rounds were fired from the three weapons. Another armed individual was seen standing nearby before they fled.
Mujibur Rahman told The Daily Star, “Five brothers and our families live here. After completing Fajr prayers, we were all asleep when the attack happened behind the building. Armed police were stationed in front of the house at the time. We also had four personal gunmen. The attack took place despite their presence. I later called 999 for additional support.”
He also said the criminals had called him earlier. After he blocked their numbers, they phoned his elder brother, Mostafizur Rahman, chairman of Smart Group, several times for extortion. From one foreign number, a caller identified himself as Sazzad, and from another as Emon.
As Mostafizur did not respond to the calls, a message was later sent to his mobile phone that read, “Wait and see,” Mujibur added.
“We are living in fear. Following the first incident, we stopped going outside alone without a reason. Around 35,000 people work in our companies. If we are not allowed to operate our business, we will shut down. If the government cannot ensure our security, we will have no option but to leave the country to save our lives,” he said.
Police officials said that for more than two decades, Sazzad Ali has been controlling an extensive criminal network in the city and district from abroad. He is on Interpol’s "most wanted" list under the name Sazzad Hossain Khan.
Police say that Sazzad’s followers open fire if extortion demands are not met. More than 500,000 people across five police station areas -- Chandgaon, Bayezid Bostami, Panchlaish, Hathazari, and Raozan -- live in fear due to his gang.
Since August 5 last year, his followers have been named in 10 murder cases in the district, including double-murder incidents. At times, they allegedly kill rivals to maintain dominance, and at other times act as hired killers.
Sazzad Ali Khan, son of contractor Abdul Gani from the Chalitatoly area, first became known in the criminal underworld in 1999 after the murder of Councillor Liaqat Ali Khan. Although he was acquitted due to a lack of witness, a new chapter in the city’s crime world began with him at that time.
On July 12, 2000, eight people -- including six leaders and activists of Chhatra League -- were killed in a burst-fire attack in Bahaddarhat. Police and various agencies claim Sazzad led the incident, which became known as the “Eight Murder” case.
In October of the same year, he was arrested with an AK-47 rifle. After securing bail, he left the country in 2004 and has since controlled his group from abroad. However, he was acquitted in the “Eight Murder” case later.
Initially, the group was formed with Nur Nabi Maxon, Sarwar Hossain, Akbar Hossain, and Chhoto Sazzad. Maxon later died in India, and Sarwar left the group. On November 5 2025, Sarwar was shot dead during an election campaign of a BNP candidate in Bayezid Bostami. Boro Sazzad was blamed for the killing.
Since 2015, the helm of the gang in Chattogram was taken over by Chhoto Sazzad, also known as Sazzad Hossain, who is now behind the bar. Police say that last year, Akbar Hossain, also known as Dakaiya Akbar, was shot dead at Patenga Sea Beach due to internal conflict and for criticising both Boro and Chhoto Sazzad.
According to police, at least 50 shooters and associates are active in Boro Sazzad’s group.
