Recently, killings have increased in several areas, including the capital, linked to the expansion of influence by top criminals. The issue resurfaced after one of the listed 23 top criminals, Khandaker Nayeem Ahmed Titon, was killed on April 26.
On Saturday, at the inauguration of a police camp in Kawran Bazar, acting DMP Commissioner Md Sarwar said the list of top criminals is being updated to curb crime. He added that while large-scale criminal groups may no longer be as visible, their associates and emerging actors are under surveillance, and action will be taken before they regroup.
Using lists to take action against criminals is not new in Bangladesh. Information on listed offenders, gang leaders, and top criminals has long been maintained in law enforcement records. However, the first formal initiative to publish a “top criminals” list was taken in 2001 by the Four-Party Alliance government.
On December 26, 2001, police released a list of 23 top criminals. Later, on March 16, 2010, then Home Minister Advocate Sahara Khatun presented another list of 42 top criminals in Parliament. No new official list has been published since, although nationwide anti-militancy and crime drives have continued.
How the list is prepared
Police officials say inclusion is not based on isolated incidents but on the nature, scale, and impact of criminal activity.
Criteria include murder, illegal arms use, extortion, drug syndicate control, organized violence, and running criminal networks. Field intelligence, criminal network mapping, territorial influence, cadre control, political or economic links, case history, inter-district and international connections, border crimes, arms and drug trafficking, and overseas-based control are also considered.
Additional DIG of Chittagong Range Md Nazimul Haque said the list is based on criminal capability and activity. “Murder, extortion, and gang operations are key factors,” he said. “In some cases, leaders operate from one area while crimes occur elsewhere. Some control networks even from jail. That is why crime mapping is crucial.”
Why the list is being revived
Before and after 2001, extortion, tender manipulation, armed violence, and political clashes in major cities reached extreme levels. Following the publication of the 23-name list, law enforcement operations led to arrests, deaths, and many criminals going into hiding.
After the 2024 student-public uprising and political transition, sources say several top criminals were released on bail and became active again. Among them, Khandaker Nayeem Ahmed Titon, listed second in the 23-name list, was killed in a dispute over cattle market leasing for Eid-ul-Azha. Earlier, on June 26, 2004, “Pichchi Hannan” was killed in a RAB crossfire. Another top criminal, Kala Jahangir, was reported dead around the same period and has since been untraceable.
Law enforcement sources say many of the 23 listed criminals are now operating inside and outside the country, with some on Interpol Red Notices.
Those previously listed include Subrata Bain, Pichchi Helal, Killer Abbas, Sweden Aslam, Imam Hossain, Zisan, Haris Ahmed, Mursalin, Zafar Ahmed, Tajul Islam, Mamun, Shamim Ahmed, Khorshed Alam alias Rasu, Molla Masud, Prakash Kumar Biswas, Shahadat Hossain, Chhoto Zisan, Mashiur Rahman Kochi, Rafiq, Abdul Jabbar Munna, Selim, Freedom Sohel, Kamal Pasha, Aminur Rasul Sagar, Khandaker Tanvir Islam, Kazi Ataur Rahman Litu, Sajikur Rahman Hiru, Munna alias Bihari Munna, Nur Mohammad, T&T Babu, Ashik alias Ashikul Islam, Shahidullah alias Lebu Shahid, Suman, Towhiduzzaman Khan alias Tikka, Arif Hossain alias Badal, Mia Delwar Hossain, Abul Kashem alias Hadi, Jasim alias Josi, Dulal alias Motka Dulal, Golam Mostafa Pappu, Mohammad Selim alias Seilla, Monu Mia alias Munna, Mamun alias Mofizur Rahman, Rabi, Tuku Khan, and Mamun alias Mia Mamun. Police are verifying and updating the list.
On Monday, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said many top criminals were released on bail after August 5, 2024, through court orders. He said bail is entirely a court decision, but police will act if any individual reoffends.
He added that whether a person is a top criminal or not, murder is a punishable offense. Investigations will proceed in all cases, and those involved will be brought under law. The government is also working to stabilize law and order following the formation of a democratic government through elections.
