One killed as BNP candidate and four others shot during campaign in Chattogram

During an election campaign in Chattogram-8, BNP-nominated candidate and city convenor Ershad Ullah and four others were shot, leaving one person dead. The incident occurred around 6 p.m. Wednesday near Chalitatali East Mosque under Bayezid Bostami police station.

The deceased, Mohammad Sarwar Hossain Babla, was a listed top criminal who recently claimed to be a BNP activist. He had at least 18 cases filed against him. BNP, however, denied any affiliation with him.

BNP leaders blamed Jamaat-e-Islami for the attack, while Jamaat denied the allegation and urged a proper investigation. Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus condemned the incident and ordered law enforcement to identify and arrest the perpetrators.

Police sources suggested that the shooting stemmed from a turf war between rival criminals, including Sajjad Hossain alias Chhoto Sajjad and Sarwar.

The injured include BNP activists Irfanul Haque Shanto, Aminul, and Mortuza Haque. A video circulating online shows Ershad Ullah distributing campaign leaflets with supporters when a man suddenly approached and shot Babla in the neck at close range. Several gunshots followed.

Police officials said Ershad Ullah was shot in the leg and hospitalized. Deputy Commissioner Amirul Islam confirmed that Babla died in hospital and that police were reviewing CCTV footage to identify those responsible.

Following the incident, BNP leaders staged protest rallies, accusing extremist groups of orchestrating the attack. City BNP secretary Nazimur Rahman claimed the attackers were backed by anti-liberation political elements aiming to disrupt the election.

At the hospital, BNP workers gathered, demanding the arrest of those involved. Nazimur alleged Jamaat-Shibir’s involvement in the attack, saying Babla was not affiliated with BNP.

Babla’s father, Abdul Kadir, said his son had been threatened earlier and was shot shortly after meeting Ershad Ullah following evening prayers.

Yunus orders justice for the attackers

The interim government strongly condemned the violence. In a statement, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus directed law enforcement to apprehend the attackers immediately. The statement noted that preliminary findings indicated Ershad Ullah was not the intended target.

The government reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of all candidates and voters and called on political groups to maintain peace ahead of the February elections.

BNP Secretary General: Attack meant to hinder election

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir condemned the attack, saying it aimed to disrupt the upcoming national elections. He urged strong action against those responsible.

Jamaat’s reaction

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman urged restraint and called for bringing the culprits to justice. City Jamaat leader Nurul Amin stated that Babla was a known criminal and was likely targeted by his rivals.

CMP statement

Chattogram Metropolitan Police Commissioner Hasib Aziz confirmed that Ershad Ullah was not the main target and that the assailants were Babla’s rivals. He acknowledged that such incidents were alarming ahead of elections but assured that police remain alert.

Khaborwala/TSN