Ishraque’s PS held for shooting during BNP-AL clash in Wari: police

Personal secretary of BNP mayoral candidate for Dhaka South City Corporation Ishraque Hossain was detained for shooting during a clash between supporters of BNP and Awami League candidates in Dhaka’s Wari area on January 26, police said.

Ariful Islam (47) was held in the capital’s Hatirjheel area. A gun and 50 bullets were recovered from his possession, Additional Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police Abdul Baten said at a press briefing at DMP Media Centre.

The arrestee is a former leader of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, the police official said.

The bullet caps recovered from the spot on January 26 primarily matched with the bullets of his pistol, Abdul Baten said, adding that a case will be filed against Ariful under Arms Act.

Ariful was identified after examining video footage collected from nearby areas, Abdul Baten said.

Ariful also admitted opening fire during the clash during primary interrogation, the police official said.

Supporters of BNP mayoral candidate for Dhaka South City Corporation Ishraque Hossain and AL-backed councillor candidate Rokon Uddin Ahmed clashed during campaigning in Wari, leaving at least 15 people injured on January 26.

Several gunshots were heard during the clash. A number of vehicles were also vandalised. Police went to the spot and brought the situation under control half an hour later, witnesses added.