Shipbreaking businessman Shaukat Ali Chowdhury has been named as a listed accused in a murder case filed at Badda Police Station over the killing of madrasa teacher Hafez Md. Masudur Rahman.

The case was lodged on 9 November 2024 under Case No. 05, Sections 302/34 of the Penal Code.

Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was later ousted from power, has been named as the principal accused, while Shaukat Ali Chowdhury is listed as the 54th accused.

However, 14 months and 19 days after the case was filed, Shaukat Ali has still not been arrested, triggering anger and frustration among the victim’s family members.

According to the case statement, on 19 July 2024, during the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement on Badda Link Road, the accused, acting on direct orders and with active participation, opened fire. During the shooting, madrasa teacher Hafez Md. Masudur Rahman was shot in the chest and was martyred on the spot.

The case identifies Shaukat Ali Chowdhury (56), son of late Alhaj Mohammad Ali Chowdhury, as an “Awami League leader.” Although several other accused have been arrested, Shaukat Ali has allegedly remained beyond arrest under mysterious circumstances.

No Bail, Influence Over Investigation?

Court and police sources reveal that despite being an accused in a murder case under Section 302, Shaukat Ali Chowdhury has not even sought bail. Yet, he continues to move freely in public and operate his businesses openly.

Allegations suggest that he is using large sums of money and political influence to have his name removed from the charge sheet.
Legal experts have expressed shock over how a businessman accused of murder—also facing allegations of money laundering under the cover of the shipbreaking trade—can openly ignore legal procedures despite the existence of an arrest warrant.

The case plaintiff Shakil (46) voiced his anger, saying that “It is heartbreaking that Shaukat Ali Chowdhury has not been arrested despite being an accused in such a serious murder case. He is freely running his businesses and moving around, while authorities claim his whereabouts cannot be traced. For mysterious reasons, he has not been arrested, leaving the victim’s family in deep despair.

The continued failure to arrest Shaukat Ali Chowdhury has raised serious questions about accountability, political influence, and the integrity of the investigation process, deepening public concern over selective justice and impunity.