Subrata Bain, a notorious figure in Bangladesh’s underworld and recently arrested, has allegedly worked for Indian intelligence agencies, including RAW (Research and Analysis Wing) and Military Intelligence (MI), according to explosive claims made by investigative journalist Zulkar Nine Sayer, currently based in London.
Sayer disclosed the information through a post on his verified Facebook page on Thursday night, where he detailed Bain’s transformation from a top-listed criminal to a covert asset in regional intelligence operations.
A Most-Wanted Fugitive Turned Informant
After the BNP-led government came to power in 2001, a list of 23 top criminals was compiled to restore law and order. Subrata Bain topped that list, with a bounty of 100,000 BDT placed on his head under the directive of then Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.
Facing intense law enforcement pressure, Bain fled to India through the Putkhali border in Jessore, accompanied by his close associate and fellow most-wanted criminal, Molla Masud. However, Bain continued to return to Bangladesh covertly through the Benapole border to collect extortion money. He even rented a house in the Bejpara area of Jessore, where his second wife and children lived.
Arrested in Kolkata, Recruited by Intelligence
Bain was later arrested by Kolkata Police in the Kalighat area. In response, another infamous criminal, Tanvirul Islam Joy, lobbied for his release using his connections within the Indian establishment—contacts Joy had developed during his school years in Darjeeling.
Following this, then-Kolkata Police Commissioner S.K. Chakraborty summoned Bain, Masud, and Joy. This marked the beginning of their relationship with Indian intelligence agencies, RAW and MI. While Joy was deemed physically unfit, Bain and Masud were sent for commando training in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, alongside another associate, Golam Mortuza Babu (alias Madhu Babu).
Senior RAW officer S. Mathur later brought them to Delhi, providing them with images and addresses of leaders from banned groups like ULFA and the United Liberation of Nagaland operating from Bangladesh. RAW equipped them with arms, funds, and other resources for their covert missions.
Secret Killings in Dhaka and Cross-Border Operations
In 2003, after being fully trained and briefed, Bain returned to Dhaka. He reportedly attacked a house in Mohammadpur, killing the wife and 7-year-old son of a Bawm community leader advocating for Naga sovereignty. He also shot and killed Mostakim, the owner of Mostakim Kabab in the Bihari camp area of Mohammadpur—allegedly due to his links with Pakistan-based group MQM, which had drawn Indian intelligence’s attention.
Bain also made multiple failed assassination attempts on ULFA leader Paresh Baruah.
New Identity and International Movements
In 2007, amid pressure from Bangladesh’s caretaker government, Kolkata CID tried to arrest Bain. Failing to do so, he allegedly obtained an Indian passport under the name “Ali Mohammad” and fled to Singapore and later China, all under RAW’s supervision.
From China, he moved to Dubai where RAW arranged a luxurious villa for his stay. Molla Masud joined him, and RAW tasked them with befriending India’s most-wanted criminal Tiger Memon, with the long-term goal of infiltrating Dawood Ibrahim’s criminal network. However, this mission failed.
Return and Arrest: A Strategic Move
Eventually, Bain returned to India through Nepal. As planned, the Kolkata STF arrested him from his Ballygunge residence. In February 2023, he was handed over to Bangladesh’s elite RAB force via the Sylhet-Jaintapur border under a special arrangement.
In Dhaka, he met with former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, army officer Ziaul Ahsan, and police official Monirul Islam. He was offered a new mission: assassinate a top political figure living in the UK. In exchange, he and his family would be relocated permanently to Canada using his Indian identity.
Sniper Training and Preparations for UK Mission
Under the supervision of Ziaul Ahsan, Bain was housed in a secured room at RAB headquarters and provided with advanced sniper training. This included long-range shooting techniques, wind and humidity calculations, and moving target accuracy.
In December 2023, he met again with the former Home Minister, Ziaul Ahsan, Monirul Islam, and an Indian intelligence officer. Bain was informed that the target was a prominent UK-based political figure. He was promised diplomatic support and assured that everything required for the mission would be arranged.
It was also confirmed again that after the mission’s success, he would be relocated to Canada with his family. He was advised to maintain a Pakistani appearance to match his forged passport identity.
Fall of Government, Breakdown of Mission
However, the political situation in Bangladesh drastically changed on August 5, 2024, when the Hasina government was overthrown following mass uprisings. As a result, Ziaul Ahsan ordered that Bain be handed over to his daughter Bithi and told to await further instructions.
Following this, Bain reestablished contact with RAW and began resurfacing publicly. Molla Masud was again sent to Bangladesh with a satellite phone to assist him. Another fugitive, “Leather Liton,” based in Nepal, became the communication bridge between these criminals and fugitive leaders of the former Awami League government.
Note: The details in this report are based on statements made by journalist Zulkar Nine Sayer on social media. The claims have not been independently verified.
Jashore Times/AI
