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He, however, denied that Masud was a Rab informant.

Hafizur said one of Rab’s patrol vehicles had been in the area and the attackers struck after it left. One suspect had been arrested, and efforts were underway to arrest the others, he added.

A local businessman, wishing anonymity, said, “Fazlul Haque alias Fazal Haque, one of Raozan’s top criminals, returned from abroad after the August 5 changeover. He controls a large share of the local sand trade, soil excavation business and extortion, and had a feud with Masud over the sand business.”

A senior Chattogram district police officer, wishing anonymity, said Masud controlled the Betagi sand quarry and had recently fallen out with Fazal, though both were previously aligned politically.

“A large amount of extortion money is collected monthly from the Raozan-Rangunia sand quarries on behalf of fugitive criminal Sajjad Ali, also known as ‘Boro Sajjad’, who is currently abroad,” he added.

The officer further said, “CCTV footage shows armed members of Sajjad’s group opening fire. Police are now investigating whether the murder resulted from Masud’s conflict with Sajjad or with someone else.”

Chattogram Superintendent of Police Masud Alam said, “All those involved are identified local criminals. They have earlier been arrested multiple times and face numerous cases, including a murder charge.”