Another man killed in drug violence at Mohammadpur’s Geneva Camp

The death toll from the violent conflict involving multiple factions vying for control of the drug trade at the camp reaches five

Another man has been killed amid the continuing violence at the Geneva Camp in Dhaka’s Mohammadpur stemming from a power struggle over the local narcotics trade.

The incident occurred during a clash between two rival gangs early on Friday morning.

The army has since detained four people in connection with the incident.

The death toll from the violence surrounding the drug trade since the government changeover has now risen to five.

Ali Iftekhar Hasan, chief of Mohammadpur Police Station, identified the deceased as 28-year-old Raja. He says Raja was killed by a bomb during the violence.

Raja was a member of the Bunia Sohel gang. Its leader Sohel had been arrested a few days ago. Following Sohel's arrest, his rival Chua Selim has attempted to take control of the area, leading to clashes with Sohel’s gang.

Raja was killed in one such clash amid gunfire and improvised explosive blasts early on Friday.

The Sher-e-Bangla Nagar and Bosila army camps say that, after the incident was reported, the members of the ‘Daring Tigers: 23rd East Bengal Regiment’ under the 46th Independent Infantry Brigade went to the scene and conducted a massive operation.

Four known drug traffickers were detained when the criminals noted the arrival of the army and attempted to flee.

A number of drugs, including 40 pieces of yaba, were seized from them.

Of the four detainees, two are members of the Chua Selim gang while the other two are members of the Pichhi Raja gang.

The army camps were not able to immediately provide the identities of the detainees.

Police are conducting regular raids in the area, OC Ali said. Law enforcers conducted a raid from 11pm on Thursday to 1am on Friday in Sector 7 of the camp after hearing reports of trouble in the area.

“Once we left the area, the clash occurred around 3am,” he said.