Jamaat-Backed Businessman Shot in Sandwip Amid Gambling Dispute; Group Says Shooting Was Linked to Extortion

❐ Local correspondent

There have been differing statements between the police and the political party of the injured man regarding the shooting of a pro-Jamaat businessman in Sandwip, Chittagong.

Yesterday, on August 23rd, at around 10:30 pm, a shopkeeper named Akbar Hossain (55) was shot at in Tulatli Bazar of Harishpur Union of Sandwip Upazila.

According to local sources, Jamaat activist Akbar Hossain runs his own business in Tulatli Bazar. He was immediately rescued after the attack and taken to the upazila’s Swarnadwip Foundation Hospital. Later, as his condition was critical, he was transferred to Chittagong Medical College (CMCH) Hospital.

Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) of Police on duty at Chittagong Medical College Hospital, Md. Alauddin, said Akbar Hossain was shot in the right arm and is undergoing treatment there.

As for the cause of the incident, Sandwip Police Station said that initial investigation revealed that the attack and shooting at Akbar Hossain’s shop occurred due to a dispute over the division of gambling money.

Sandwip Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Sujan Halder said that the incident was initially suspected to be related to gambling. However, as of Monday morning, August 24, no formal case had been filed at the police station.

On the other hand, the Sandwip Upazila branch of Jamaat-e-Islami issued a statement on Monday morning contradicting the information provided by the police regarding the incident.

A statement signed by Upazila Jamaat Ameer Sirajul Islam and Secretary Abu Taher said that this heinous attack and shooting on businessman Akbar Hossain was mainly based on extortion demands.

In the statement, they expressed deep concern over the incident and demanded exemplary punishment for those involved through a swift, fair and impartial investigation.

Law enforcement officials said the overall situation at Tulatli Bazaar is under control and legal action will be taken if a written complaint is received.