BNP leader, another shot as gunmen open fire on Cox's Bazar court premises, 3 suspects held with pistol
At the time of the incident, both parties allegedly had weapons
A local BNP leader and his associate sustained bullet injuries in an attack at the Cox's Bazar District and Sessions Judge's Court premises this morning (24 May).
The incident took place on the southern road of the court premises at around 11am, confirmed District Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime and Operations) Wahidur Rahman.
Following the incident, three suspected attackers were arrested with a foreign pistol and bullets.
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ASP Wahidur said former UP member and Union BNP General Secretary Liaqat Ali Sikder and his cousin Mohammad Mohiuddin had gone to appear in court in connection with a case when the attack occurred.
The injured were later admitted to Cox's Bazar District Sadar Hospital.
The police official added that operations were underway to identify and arrest others involved in the incident.
Mohammad Zayed, younger brother of Liaqat Ali, who was present at the scene, said when they reached the southern side of the court premises, a group of 6-7 miscreants opened fire on them.
He said Liaqat managed to enter the court building and take shelter during the attack.
Later, people present at the scene chased the attackers, caught two of them along with a foreign pistol and bullets, and handed them over to police.
The remaining attackers fled the scene on motorcycles and in a microbus, he added.
Claiming the attack was a planned attempt to kill Liaqat, Zayed said there had long been a political rivalry over control of the area.
He alleged that members of the "Khaleq force" were involved in the attack at the court premises.
Later on the day, Cox's Bazar Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Sheikh Mohammad Ali said among the detainees, evidence has been found that a man named Zia Ullah was involved.
The other two people were taken into custody for questioning.
"A foreign pistol, nine bullet rounds, six empty shells and two magazines were recovered from the scene," he said.
Cox's Bazar Deputy Commissioner A Mannan, Superintendent of Police ANM Sajedur Rahman and other rescue officials visited the scene around 5pm.
A video recorded by an eyewitness at the time of the incident surfaced, allegedly showing both the attacker and the injured person were carrying foreign pistols.
OC Sheikh Mohammad Ali said this allegation was also being taken seriously.
