DB still quizzing suspects

Detectives investigating the murder of Italian aid worker Cesare Tavella are now connecting the dots based on information gleaned from the three arrested youths who, according to police, directly took part in the killing.

"We are quizzing the youths separately. They have divulged information on their responsibility in the murder. But still, there are some gaps. We are matching their statements with one another and trying to fill up those gaps," Monirul Islam, joint commissioner of the Detective Branch of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, said yesterday.   

Of the arrestees, Tamjid Ahmed alias Rubel has already given a statement before a magistrate, confessing that he had shot Tavella dead. Russell Chowdhury alias Chakki Russell and Minhazul Arifin Russell alias Bhagne Russell alias Kala Russell are on an eight-day remand.

The detectives have also arrested another youth, Shakhawat Hossian alias Sharif, who allegedly provided the trio with his motorbike to accomplish the killing mission.

Monirul also said they were still investigating to find out the source of the money spent in the mission.

He said they did not have any fresh breakthrough in the probe after Monday when DMP Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia told the press that the murder was part of a conspiracy to send a message to foreigners that Bangladesh was no longer safe for them.

Meanwhile, during a top-level meeting at the police headquarters yesterday, police officials were asked to remain alert so that any incident like the recent killings of foreigners or the bomb attack on Hossaini Dalan is not repeated.

Chaired by Inspector General of Police AKM Shahidul Hoque, the meeting on the current law and order situation also asked cops to collect information about activities of banned militant organisations and their members who are getting released on bail from jail and increase vigilance on them, said a top police official in attendance.

Tavella was shot dead in the capital's Gulshan on September 28.