BNP campaign turned violent in Chattogram; ‘criminal’ Sarwar shot dead

A man identified as ‘criminal’ Sarwar Hossain alias Babla, 43, was shot dead during a BNP election campaign in Chattogram on Wednesday afternoon (November 5), confirmed CMP Commissioner Hasib Aziz.

According to police, Sarwar was shot by opponent gangster Sajjad Hossain alias Chhoto Sajjad amid a turf dispute between rival groups. He later died at a private hospital around 5:45pm.

The shooting took place at Chaltatali area during the campaign of BNP’s Chattogram-8 (Boalkhali–Chandgaon–Pahartali–Bayezid partially) candidate and city convener Ershad Ullah. Ershad and another activist named Shanto were also injured in the incident.

BNP standing committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said the party had no link to the violence, claiming it stemmed from an old rivalry between two local criminal groups.

Police said the deceased Sarwar had at least 15 cases filed against him, including charges of extortion, murder, and illegal arms.

An investigation into this matter is underway.