Gunfire targets BNP anniversary event in Sitakunda; no case yet

Police are yet to identify several armed men seen in videos circulating on social media following clashes, gunfire and cocktail explosions during BNP’s founding anniversary programmes at Sitakunda in Chattogram, on Tuesday (September 1).

No case has been filed over the violence so far, Sitakunda Model Police Station OC Mohinul Islam said. He said police were reviewing the videos to identify those who openly carried firearms during the clash.

Police suspect that most of the armed men were hired criminals. Some are believed to be from Chattogram city and Mirsarai, although their identities and alleged involvement in the violence have yet to be confirmed, the OC said.

More than 20 BNP activists from both sides were injured in the clash, according to party sources.

The violence followed separate anniversary programmes organised by two BNP factions. One group is aligned with former BNP joint secretary general and chairperson’s adviser Prof Aslam Chowdhury, while the other follows Kazi Mohammad Salahuddin, former joint convener of Chattogram North District BNP.

The groups confronted each other in the Micro Station area near Hasan Gomosta Mosque in Sitakunda municipality, leading to gunfire, cocktail explosions and brickbat throwing.

Several videos later surfaced online showing young men carrying firearms.

Police said most of the footage appeared to have been recorded around Sitakunda South Bypass and near Hasan Gomosta Mosque.

Legal action would be taken after confirming the identities and roles of those involved, police said.