A pharmacy in Dhaka’s Mohammadpur has come under repeated crude bomb attacks and gunfire this month after its owner allegedly refused to pay Tk50 lakh in extortion money, raising fresh concerns over the activities of organised criminal gangs in the capital.
The latest attack occurred on Friday night, November 13, when unidentified assailants fired two shots at Anurag Pharma, opposite the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, narrowly missing an employee.
Earlier, crude bombs were reportedly hurled at the establishment on November 5 and 7, leaving several passersby injured.
According to a complaint lodged with Mohammadpur police, the attacks followed an extortion demand made by individuals invoking the names of alleged gang leaders known as “Killer Badal” and “Killer Pappu.”
Pharmacy employee Moin Uddin said the threats began in early November when the criminals demanded Tk50 lakh from the owner.
As the money was not paid, the establishment came under repeated attacks, he alleged.
Describing Friday’s shooting, Moin said bullets shattered the shop’s glass, with one passing close to his head.
“We are currently living in a state of constant terror,” he said.
The owner also alleged that the extortionists had threatened to attack and burn down the establishment unless their demand was met.
Police investigate attacks
Tejgaon Division Deputy Commissioner Ibn Mizan said multiple law enforcement units were working with local police to identify and arrest those responsible.
“We are working to apprehend this criminal group,” he said.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Md Jewel said investigators were examining CCTV footage to establish how the attacks occurred and identify the perpetrators.
Security has been strengthened in the area following the shooting.
Police have yet to publicly establish whether the suspects who demanded the money were directly linked to Badal or Pappu.
Businesses targeted despite owner’s absence
Anurag Pharma is part of a commercial establishment owned by Syed Hasan Nur Islam, also known as Rashton, a former city corporation councillor.
The building also houses a restaurant, a Chinese restaurant, a superstore and a telecom outlet.
According to the complaint, Nur Islam has remained in hiding since the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024, although his businesses have continued operating.
The attackers allegedly targeted the establishment after their demand for extortion money was rejected.
Alleged gang network in Mohammadpur
Badal, widely referred to as “Killer Badal”, has long been associated with allegations of organised crime in Mohammadpur.
According to police records cited in the account, he faces numerous cases involving murder, extortion and illegal occupation of property.
Local sources allege that criminal groups operating under his name are involved in extorting businesses, controlling footpaths, drug trafficking and land grabbing.
Pappu and Lalu Uddin Lalu are among those identified by local sources as his associates.
However, investigators have not established their involvement in the pharmacy attacks.
The latest incidents have heightened anxiety among business owners and employees in Mohammadpur, where repeated threats and violent attacks have raised concerns about their safety.