Man in viral DU assault video identified as murder case accused

Police have identified Md Rakib, seen in a viral video striking a woman with a stick at Dhaka University last night, as an accused in a 2024 murder case in Kaliakair upazila of Gazipur.

Rakib, a student of the university’s Department of World Religions and Culture, is facing the murder charge along with his twin brother, Shakib, according to police.

Both have been absconding since the case was filed.

Officer‑in‑Charge of Kaliakoir Police Station, Khandkar Nasir Uddin, told The Daily Star that a charge sheet has already been submitted in the case, which involves the killing of Sabbir Hossain in Safipur Paschimpara.

On September 9, 2024, Sabbir went to the roof of Rakib and Shakib's house after going to the gym with them. Two local teenagers, who accompanied them to the roof, went to buy clothes.

After they returned, they found Sabbir lying in a pool of blood in front of the building. They went to the roof and saw blood-stained weapons there, as mentioned in the case statement.

The victim’s brother, Md Mohiuddin Abir, who filed the case, criticised police inaction, saying the accused move freely despite repeated reports to authorities.

He alleged the case was transferred to Gazipur Detective Police without explanation and that no arrest warrants have been issued.

In the viral video from last night, two women were seen being harassed, with one crying and demanding justice after Rakib struck her. The Dhaka University administration has formed a three‑member investigation committee.

Kaliakoir OC Nasir said, "The case has been investigated by the DB Police, so they are also responsible for arresting him if a warrant is issued by the court (warrant of arrest)."

OC Hasmat Ullah of Gazipur Detective Police admitted that no operation had been conducted to arrest the accused due to various circumstances, but said action will now be taken.