Special Correspondent: Just before the elections, a “mini-cantonment” of weapons was discovered at the home of a private terrorist. Not just one or two, but 11 sophisticated foreign firearms and 394 rounds of ammunition were recovered. There is widespread speculation regarding whether these were intended to control the election, especially since Badda has historically been a sanctuary for various criminal elements. This massive cache was seized during a raid by a joint force led by the Army.
Witnesses stated that a special team of Army-led joint forces arrested Mehedi Hasan, also known as Dipu (or Bipu), from a house in the Bepari Para area of Middle Badda. Dipu is identified as a close associate or “second-in-command” of top-listed criminal Subrata Bain.
According to the police, the house belongs to Mehedi Hasan. During the raid on a third-floor flat, the forces recovered 11 sophisticated foreign-made firearms and 394 rounds of ammunition. Asaduzzaman, the Assistant Commissioner of the Badda Zone for the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), informed Prothom Alo that Mehedi was arrested this past Friday.
A case has been filed against him under the Arms Act, and a court has granted a five-day remand for his interrogation. Authorities believe the arms were stockpiled to create chaos during the upcoming national elections.
Who is Dipu, the Controller of the Underworld?
According to police sources, Mehedi Hasan Dipu has been managing the underworld operations in Rampura, Banasree, Badda, Bhatara, Baridhara, and Gulshan on behalf of the notorious top-tier criminal Subrata Bain.
Ownership of Weapons: Authorities state that the massive cache of arms recovered—including 11 sophisticated foreign pistols and 394 rounds of ammunition—belongs primarily to Subrata Bain and another top criminal, Molla Masud.
Operational Shift: Following the arrest of Subrata Bain and Molla Masud by joint forces in Kushtia in May 2025, Mehedi Hasan took over the active leadership of their criminal network.
Criminal Allegations: The case statement (FIR) identifies Mehedi as a long-time associate of Subrata Bain who has been involved in the illegal trade of firearms and ammunition across the capital, specifically in Badda and Bhatara.
The Legacy of Subrata Bain: Subrata Bain was a prominent figure in Dhaka’s criminal world during the 1990s, known for his dominance in tender manipulation, extortion, and various killings while heading the “Seven Star” gang. Mehedi Hasan Dipu is currently on a five-day remand as police investigate whether these weapons were intended to disrupt the upcoming national elections.
