Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has arrested two individuals in connection with the killing of Sarwar Hossain Babla, who was shot dead during the election campaign of BNP candidate Ershad Ullah in Chattogram, report agencies.
The arrestees are Alauddin and Helal. They are both suspects in the case filed over the incident.
While RAB said the two were arrested from the city's Hajirpool area on Friday, family members claimed they were picked up from their homes early hours of Friday.
Alauddin's wife said her husband was in no way involved in the killing.
At a media briefing at RAB-7's Chandgaon camp in the afternoon, the battalion's Commanding Officer Lt Col Md Hafizur Rahman confirmed the arrests and said the shooting was intended to kill Sarwar.
"It appeared that the bullet was meant for Sarwar, as the gun was pressed against his neck when fired. Since Ershad was standing very close to him, he was also hit," Hafizur said.
On Wednesday evening, BNP candidate for Chattogram-8, Ershad, was conducting a campaign event when sudden gunfire erupted. Sarwar Hossain Babla, who police listed as a 'criminal', was killed on the spot, while Ershad and four others were injured.
Hafizur added, "Two arrests have been made. Interrogation and efforts to arrest the remaining suspects are underway. Once everyone is caught, the main motive will become clear."
When asked about possible conflicts, he said: "Sarwar had an ongoing feud with Chhoto Sajjad. There had been earlier attempts to attack him in Bakalia and Patenga. Given this conflict, suspicion naturally falls on Sajjad. However, it would be premature to call anyone directly guilty without completing the investigation."
Meanwhile, BNP candidate Ershad Ullah from Chattogram-8 constituency, who was injured in a shooting, has been transferred to the capital's Square Hospital by helicopter for advanced treatment.
Ershad Ullah, who was undergoing treatment at Chattogram Evercare Hospital, was airlifted to the hospital at around 1:30 pm on Friday.
City BNP Member Secretary Nazimur Rahman said Ershad Ullah was transferred to Dhaka for better treatment, but he is now out of danger. The decision to move him to Dhaka was made by his family as he was shot in the right side of the chest and leg.
Ershad Ullah was shot during a public meeting in the Bayezid area of Chattogram last Wednesday. He was initially admitted to a private hospital in Chattogram. The incident also resulted in the death of a man named Sarwar Hossain Babla.
