Police attacked, OC injured in Chattogram over arrest operation

Police personnel and a government vehicle came under attack in Chattogram's Khulshi area, allegedly by supporters of Wakil Hossain, also known as Boga, a former leader of the Swecchasebak Dal. At least eight police officers, including Khulshi Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Abdur Rahim, were injured in the attack. The incident occurred around 4am on Friday near the Wireless Mor and Pahartali areas.

Police claimed the attack happened while they were trying to arrest Wakil, who was wanted in an arms case. The attackers blocked the road with barricades, pelted police with bricks and stones, and vandalised the OC's official vehicle. When explosives were thrown at police, they used sound grenades to bring the situation under control.

According to Khulshi police, a case was filed on August 30 over the abduction and torture of Mizanur Rahman, a lecturer at Pahartali Degree College, and threats to the college principal via video call. Wakil was named as the second accused in the case, along with six of his associates.

Police had been conducting operations to arrest him. On Thursday, Wakil called OC Abdur Rahim and verbally abused him, threatening retribution. The incident was reported to superiors, and the police commissioner ordered the arrest.

Police said Wakil gathered supporters after learning of the operation. They chanted slogans in the name of BNP and barricaded the road before attacking police. Eight officers were injured, and a police vehicle was vandalised.

After the situation was brought under control, police carried out searches in the area and at Wakil's residence but found that he had fled. Operations to arrest him and others involved are ongoing.

OC Abdur Rahim confirmed the attack and said the area is now under control with additional police deployment. Legal action is being taken against the attackers.

Wakil Hossain is a 'listed criminal' with 17 cases against him, including extortion, drugs and explosives. He was expelled from the Swecchasebak Dal on June 8 after a public shooting incident over land grabbing. He is known as a follower of Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Shadadat Hossain.