Chattogram's 'top terror' Md Mobarak arrested: A notorious criminal's rise from painter's assistant to feared gunman

Chattogram police have arrested Md Mobarak, a notorious figure in the city’s criminal underworld known as “Gola kata Mobarak,” following a series of high-profile shootings, extortion attempts, and killings captured in CCTV footage. Mobarak, who gained notoriety for firing weapons with both hands, was detained last Wednesday in Fatikchhari, a remote area where he frequently evaded capture.

Police described Mobarak as a key associate of fugitive criminals Sajjad Ali (Boro Sajjad) and Hossain Emon (David Emon), both of whom are currently imprisoned. According to Chattogram District Superintendent of Police Md Masud Alam, Mobarak followed instructions from Sajjad Ali and was valued within the gang for his firearms proficiency. Mobarak’s criminal career reportedly began under Nasir Uddin, a Shibir cadre, and later developed connections with Abu Tayeb, a former Chhatra League general secretary and listed criminal.

Mobarak’s arrest followed a raid in Kanchannagar, where he was found hiding in a bathroom’s false ceiling. When police ordered him to surrender, he fired six rounds before being detained. Authorities recovered three pistols, 23 rounds of pistol ammunition, and four shotgun cartridges from him and his associates. Police also seized a pistol that Mobarak allegedly looted from Kotwali police station in Chattogram after August 5, 2024.

During interrogation, Mobarak reportedly admitted to learning firearms from Emon and expressed a habit of sleeping with an SMG for protection. An image of him resting with the weapon surfaced online, reinforcing his reputation for boldness. Police suspect the SMG in the photo is now with fugitive criminal Raihan and are conducting operations to recover it.

Mobarak’s criminal record includes multiple killings and extortion attempts. He is linked to at least seven murders, including the 2014 killing of Md Babu in Fatikchhari. In June 2024, he was captured on CCTV firing at Jubo Dal leader Masudul Haque Chowdhury in Raozan, shooting him twice before fleeing in a CNG autorickshaw. Police also linked him to the murder of Sarwar Hossain (Babla) during a BNP campaign in November 2023 and several other shootings in Chattogram, including attacks on businessman Mujibur Rahman and Absar Uddin Chowdhury.

Following the August 5, 2024, political transition, Chattogram experienced a surge in firearm thefts from police stations, with 944 weapons and 86,478 rounds of ammunition looted. While 796 firearms and 56,856 rounds have been recovered, 148 weapons remain unaccounted for, raising concerns about their circulation among criminals.

Mobarak’s arrest underscores ongoing efforts to dismantle Chattogram’s armed gangs, though authorities acknowledge that many weapons and fugitives remain at large.

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