Clash Between Rival BNP Factions in Sitakunda: 3 arrested for brandishing weapons
Graphics: Agamir Somoy
In Chittagong's Sitakunda, three people have been arrested for brandishing weapons during a clash between two factions of BNP. However, police could not recover the weapons they displayed.
They were arrested Monday night. The three are—Sadeq Ali (28), Kamrul Hasan (43), and Mohammad Hanif (34).
Chittagong SP Masud Alam said, "During the clash between the two groups that centered around the BNP's founding anniversary rally at the same place and time, we witnessed the display of local and foreign weapons. It went viral on social media. We identified and arrested three individuals. Cases have been filed against them under the Arms Act. They will be brought on remand for interrogation."
The SP informed that Sadeq was arrested from Mirsarai in Chittagong, and Kamrul from Chandpur. Hanif lives in the vagrant area of Salimpur, a crime-prone jungle locality in Sitakunda. He was arrested there.
"Sadeq was seen with a heavy weapon. That has not been recovered. A locally made single-barrel gun has been seized from him. Efforts are ongoing to recover the weapons they displayed," said the SP.
Sitakunda Police Station OC Md. Mohinul Islam said, "During the clash, Kamrul had a shooter gun and Hanif had a pistol. They handed over or disposed of the weapons, which is why they could not be recovered. We have identified four people who displayed weapons during the clash. Among them, a person named Siraj has not yet been arrested. Efforts are on to arrest him."
The clash and chase-counter-chase between the two factions of leaders and activists occurred on the afternoon of September 1 in the Hasan Gomosta Mosque area of Sitakunda municipal town, centered around the BNP's founding anniversary rally. The conflict was between followers of Aslam Chowdhury, a member of the BNP Chairperson's advisory council, and followers of Kazi Mohammad Salauddin, former joint convener of the North District BNP.
