Arrests Made Over Clash and Display of Weapons in Sitakunda.

Md. Omar Faruk, Special Correspondent. Police have arrested three people in connection with a clash and the public display of weapons during separate programmes marking the 48th founding anniversary of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Sitakunda, Chattogram. A large number of locally made weapons and a locally manufactured single-barrel firearm were also recovered during the operation. According to police sources, tensions arose between two local groups in Sitakunda on September 1 over separate public gatherings organised to mark the BNP’s 48th founding anniversary. The situation eventually escalated into chasing, counter-chasing and clashes. At one point, images and videos showing several individuals displaying firearms and locally made weapons circulated on social media and were published by various media outlets. Following the incident, Chattogram District Police launched an operation to identify and arrest those involved. As part of the operation, three individuals—Sadek, 29, Kamrul, 39, and Hanif, 34—were arrested. Police said the arrested individuals had previous cases filed against them. Based on information provided by the arrestees and findings from the investigation, police conducted an operation in the Sitakunda Police Station area and recovered 11 sharp knives, three kiriches (locally made curved weapons), one machete and 15 sticks. Later, police also recovered a locally manufactured single-barrel firearm, according to the authorities. Chattogram District Police said no one would be given any concession for involvement in criminal activities, the use of illegal firearms or the public display of weapons. Legal action will be taken against anyone involved in criminal activities regardless of their political identity or affiliation with any particular group. Police said operations against illegal weapons and criminal activities are continuing to maintain law and order and ensure the safety and security of the public. Efforts are also underway to identify and arrest other individuals involved in the incident and recover additional illegal weapons.