BNP leader-led attack in Bagerhat injures four policemen; 16 held

A group led by a local BNP leader reportedly attacked police in Kachua upazila's Gajalia Bridge area on Tuesday night in an attempt to snatch an arrested suspect, leaving four police officers injured.

However, a joint operation by police and army personnel later detained 16 individuals involved in the attack.

Previously arrested, suspect Ekhlas Sheikh (35), was wanted in connection with cases of extortion and assault. According to the police, he is an active BNP worker.

Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Kachua Police Station Md Rashedul Alam said that a police team, led by Sub-Inspector Ahmed Kabir, conducted a raid in the Gajalia Bridge area at around 11pm on Tuesday.

During the operation, they arrested Ekhlas Sheikh, an accused in extortion and assault cases. At that moment, a group of 100-150 individuals, led by Gajalia union BNP President Shikdar Zakir Hossain Tutul and General Secretary Sheikh Delwar Hossain, attacked the police to free the suspect, said SI Ahmed Kabir, who was injured in the attack

The other injured policemen are Kachua Police Station Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Rakib Molla, and Constables Md Zahidur Rahman and Ranjan Biswas.

They sustained injuries in the attack and received primary medical treatment at Kachua Upazila Health Complex, the OC added.

Additional Superintendent of Police (Sadar Circle) Md Shamim Hossain said that the situation was brought under control after Kachua Police and an army unit arrived at the scene. Following a joint operation, 16 individuals involved in the attack were held.

The detained individuals have been identified as Md Riaz Sheikh (25), Md Aminul Haque (28), Md Hemayet Molla (52), Md Sabbir Sheikh (19), Md Sohag Sheikh (23), Md Robiul Islam (27), Amirat Hossain Lijon (20), Md Sakib Sheikh (18), Md Ibadul Sikdar (26), Md Abul Khayer Sweet (41), Md Omar Faruq (39), Md Shawon Akon (21), Md Jony Sheikh (18), Md Rafi Shikdar (21), Md Iyar Hossain (32), and Riazul Islam (29).

A case is being prepared in connection with the attack, and further efforts are underway to catch other individuals involved, he said.