Kafrul Thana Jubo Dal member secretary Hafizul Islam Babu has accused BNP leader Sabbir Dewan Johnny of masterminding the killing of Jubo Dal worker Yusuf Ali in Mirpur-13, Dhaka. At a news conference at the Crime Reporters Association of Bangladesh venue on Wednesday, Babu said the armed attack had targeted him, while Yusuf was killed. He alleged that the plan aimed to block his possible candidacy for councillor in the upcoming Dhaka North City Corporation election.

Babu claimed that hired killers were brought from outside Dhaka for about Tk25 lakh and alleged that a person known as “CNG Hafiz” played a significant role. He displayed photographs of Johnny with several suspected attackers and questioned why Johnny had not been interrogated or arrested. Johnny denied the allegations, saying he was being implicated for political gain and that photographs with people involved did not establish his involvement.

Detective Branch police said the attack stemmed from disputes over local dominance, waste-management tenders, dish and internet businesses, and footpath-related issues, and that Babu was the intended target. Police have arrested eight people; four gave confessional statements in court, and investigators recovered firearms. The investigation remains under way, with police saying action will follow evidence regardless of political identity.