Investigators probing the murder of notorious Dhaka underworld figure Yasin Khan Palash, widely known as “Kailla Palash,” have uncovered what they describe as a meticulously planned assassination orchestrated from Dubai by expatriate crime syndicates seeking to maintain control over lucrative criminal networks in the capital.
According to confessional statements given before a court by two arrested suspects, the decision to eliminate Palash was finalized during a secret meeting in Dubai attended by alleged top criminal figure Jisan Ahmed Monty. Investigators believe the gathering served as what members of the criminal underworld refer to as a “death meeting” — a session convened to approve a targeted killing.
Confessional Statements Reveal Plot
Palash was shot in the head at close range on June 12 while returning home after Friday prayers in Dhaka’s Rampura area. After battling for his life for eight days at hospital, he succumbed to his injuries late on June 20.
Police arrested motorcycle rider Md. Imam Hossain and surveillance operative Md. Maruf Sultan, also known as Ferdous, in connection with the attack. Both suspects later provided confessional statements under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
Officials involved in the investigation said the statements revealed extensive details about the planning and execution of the killing, including the identities of coordinators, surveillance teams, escape facilitators, and the alleged masterminds behind the operation.
Power Struggle in Dhaka’s Underworld
According to investigators, the murder was rooted in a longstanding struggle for dominance over criminal and business interests in the Rampura, Badda, and Hatirjheel areas.
Following his release from prison, Palash reportedly sought to re-establish influence over extortion networks, tender manipulation, internet service operations, cable television businesses, and territorial control. His return allegedly alarmed supporters of Dubai-based crime boss Jisan, who viewed him as a serious threat to their interests.
The confessional statements suggest that several influential individuals from Dhaka, along with a leader affiliated with a political party, traveled to Dubai and held multiple meetings with Jisan. During those discussions, participants allegedly determined who would serve as the shooter, who would conduct surveillance, and how the attackers would escape after the operation.
Assassination Executed After Friday Prayers
In his statement, Imam Hossain said that on June 12, members of the team positioned themselves near the BTV building opposite a mosque in Rampura. As Palash emerged from the mosque following Friday prayers, the gunman allegedly fired two shots at his head.
Immediately after the shooting, Imam claimed he transported the shooter away from the scene on a motorcycle. Police have since seized the motorcycle allegedly used in the escape.
Investigators say CCTV footage obtained from the area supports key elements of Imam’s account.
Surveillance and Coordination Network
The second suspect, Maruf Sultan, told the court that he was responsible for monitoring Palash’s movements, confirming his location, and coordinating with backup personnel during the operation.
According to his statement, the decision to permanently remove Palash was carried out under instructions from Jisan. Maruf further alleged that the conflict stemmed from fierce competition for territorial dominance and control over profitable businesses linked to organized crime.
Investigators believe the murder was not an act of spontaneous retaliation but a carefully orchestrated operation designed to alter the balance of power within Dhaka’s criminal underworld.
Investigators Pursuing Masterminds
A senior investigator involved in the case said the two suspects have already provided approximately 90 percent of the information required to reconstruct the operation.
Authorities are currently analyzing CCTV footage, mobile phone records, location data, and intelligence reports to verify the confessions and identify all individuals involved. Several teams are reportedly working to locate the alleged shooter, local associates of Jisan, and individuals who provided logistical support.
Investigators say their objective extends beyond arresting the gunman and includes bringing to justice everyone involved in planning, facilitating, and financing the murder.
Case Background
After being shot on June 12, Palash was initially admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital before being transferred to Evercare Hospital for advanced treatment. He died on June 20 after eight days on life support.
Following the incident, Palash’s wife, Mahmuda Khanam, filed a case with Hatirjheel Police Station, naming 11 individuals as accused.
Police officials confirmed that all evidence and investigative materials gathered during the initial phase of the inquiry have been transferred to the Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Branch (DB), which is now leading the investigation.
