Police have arrested Sakhawat Hossain alias Munna in connection with a brazen shooting incident in which he was seen on video raising a pistol and firing at rivals in the Battali market area of Palangkhali union, Ukhia, Cox's Bazar. Three other youths — Arafat Hossain, Mizanur Rahman, and Abu Taher — who were seen standing with machetes in the same incident, have also been arrested.

Details of the operation

The four suspects were arrested in a series of raids conducted across various hideouts in the union from 12:00am Wednesday night to 5:00am Thursday. Police were assisted by the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the Special Response Battalion (SRB) during the operation. Two firearms used in the shooting, 41 rounds of ammunition, and a gun barrel were recovered from the scene.

Context of the incident

Confirming the incident, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Ukhia Police Station Atikur Rahman told Prothom Alo that the gunfight occurred between two local groups on Wednesday afternoon over drug trafficking and territorial dominance in the Battali area. A video circulating on social media shows a youth openly raising a pistol and firing, which spread panic across the locality.

Panic in the area

According to a report by Kaler Kantho, shops in Ukhia Bazar were shut down following the shooting as fear gripped the area. The public display of firearms has sparked concern among local residents.

Next steps

Legal proceedings against the arrestees are underway. Police are continuing their investigation to identify other individuals involved in the incident.