Raihan Sharif, who was suspended as a Community Medicine Department teacher at Sirajganj’s Shaheed M Monsur Ali Medical College for shooting a student, had a fascination for collecting arms, bullets, and foreign knives, said police.
“Raihan was fascinated with collecting arms, bullets and foreign knives. During his five-day remand, he confessed that he started planning to keep arms in his collection by watching Hindi movies,” said Officer-in-Charge of the Detective Branch of Police, Sirajganj, Julhaj Uddin, at a media briefing on Saturday (16 March).
He said, "Raihan had been searching for arms for quite some time but was delayed in finding a proper source. Eventually, he made contact with an arms trader based in Bheramara of Kustia, with the help of an acquaintance from Rajshahi.
"Raihan purchased his first gun from the Bheramara trader in person, followed by the acquisition of another gun and several rounds of bullets."
Additionally, he began collecting foreign knives online, Julhas added.
“The man who used to supply arms to Raihan is a professional arms trader. It is being scrutinised if any other member is linked to this gang,” said Julhaj.
On 4 March, Raihan shot third-year student Arafat Amin in the leg while conducting an oral examination in the classroom of Shaheed M Mansur Ali Medical College.
Police recovered two foreign pistols and 81 rounds of bullets from Raihan's possession, leading to two cases being filed against him at Sirajganj Sadar police station, including one under the Arms Act.
On 11 March, a district court granted a five-day remand against Raihan for interrogation in the arms case.
Also, the day after the incident (5 March), a three-member investigation committee was formed under the leadership of Baizid Khoorshid Riaz, Additional Director-General (Admin) at the Directorate General of Medical Education (DGME).
The Directorate General of Health Services suspended Raihan on 7 March based on the findings by the committee.
