The deceased were identified as Ashiq Mohammad Ibrahim, organising secretary of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal at Ward no 23 of the city unit and Delwar Hossain Raj.

Rezaul Haq, officer in charge of Motijheel police station, told The Daily Star that both Delwar and Ashiq were notorious criminals.

"Delwar and Ashiq were accused in two cases, including a murder case at the Khilgaon Police Station," said Haq.

Haq said they might have been murdered over an internal conflict within their gang but he would not divulge the facts because the case is under investigation.

Locals said Ashiq lived in Khilgaon and owned some shops at Malibagh Bazar. His father, Rezaul Karim, is the former president of the Malibagh Bazar Traders Association.

Locals added that there were allegations of extortions and criminal activities against Ashiq.

Monika Chowdhury, Delwar's younger daughter, told The Daily Star that Delwar moved to his in-law's house at Chauddogram in Comilla one and half years ago after he got married.

She added that Delwar came to Dhaka on Sunday but he did not go to their house at Baganbari in Malibagh on that night.

Delwar called her sister the following day around 9:30pm and told her that he would be in the house shortly.

Monika said Delwar used to trade in caps when he was living in Dhaka but she did not know about his profession in Comilla.

Locals said police came to their area several times last year looking for the Delwar and Ashik although this year they did not see the police inquiring about them.

Delwar's mother Mossamat Ambia Khatun filed a murder case with the Motijheel Police Station against unknown criminals.