One person was killed and five others, including BNP candidate Ershad Ullah, were injured when gunmen opened fire during a campaign event in Chattogram-8. The shooting occurred around 6pm on Wednesday in the Chalitatali East Mosque area under Bayezid Bostami Police Station.
The deceased, Mohammad Sarwar Hossain Babla, was a listed top criminal with around 18 cases filed against him. Although he recently claimed to be a BNP activist, the party stated that he was not affiliated with them. Hundreds of people were present during the campaign.
Several BNP leaders blamed Jamaat-e-Islami for the attack, but Jamaat denied the allegation and called for the perpetrators to be brought to justice. Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus condemned the violence and instructed security agencies to carry out an immediate investigation.
Police suspect that the attack was linked to a long-standing rivalry involving the gang led by Sajjad Hossain alias Chhoto Sajjad, with Sarwar being the primary target. Those injured include Irfanul Haque Shanto, Aminul and Mortuza Haque.
A video circulating on social media shows a young man approaching the crowd during the campaign and placing a pistol on Sarwar’s neck before firing. Several more shots followed shortly after.
Police confirmed that Ershad Ullah was shot in the leg and admitted to hospital, while Sarwar died after being taken to hospital. CCTV footage from nearby areas is being reviewed to identify the attackers.
Following the incident, BNP staged a protest, alleging that extremist groups were behind the attack. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir claimed the aim of the attack was to disrupt the upcoming national election.
Jamaat-e-Islami said Sarwar was a known criminal and that the attack was directed at him by his rivals.
TSN