Open firing at Cox’s Bazar court complex, 1 injured

PNN News Desk, Cox’s Bazar

A man named Main Uddin (35) was shot and injured in an open firing incident at the district and sessions judge court premises in Cox’s Bazar. The incident occurred on Sunday around 11:30 AM on the ground floor of the court building.

After the incident, one person was arrested by locals with a weapon.

The injured Main Uddin was first taken to Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital. Later, due to deterioration of his condition, he was transferred to Chittagong Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment.

Police said the arrested person is Ziaul Haque (27), a resident of Kalirchhara area of Eidgaon police station. Two more individuals, Abdu Shukur and Md. Rubel, suspected to be involved in the incident, have been taken into police custody.

Local sources and eyewitnesses said that during court proceedings related to the murder case of District Labor League President Zahirul Islam, several accused persons along with BNP leader Liakat Ali were present in court. After the hearing, when they came down and were preparing to get into vehicles, armed attackers suddenly opened fire targeting them.

Panic spread across the court area. Locals chased and caught one attacker with a weapon and handed him over to Cox’s Bazar Model Police Station after a beating.

Locals believe the attack was intended to target BNP leader Liakat Ali and may have been a pre-planned assassination attempt.

Cox’s Bazar Sadar Police Station OC Mohammad Ali said one person was arrested with a weapon and additional police have been deployed. Operations are ongoing to identify and arrest others involved.

Local sources also said that there had been a previous shooting attempt targeting BNP leader Liakat Ali at his residence. The latest attack has created renewed fear and tension in the area.