Hathazari Madrasa students release hostage cop
The development came following discussion between the higher officials of police and the Hefazat leaders
The policeman, who was taken hostage by the students of Hathazari Madrasa, has been released following a meeting with the higher authorities.
Anwar Hossain, deputy inspector general (DIG) of Chattogram range police, and Md Rashidul Haque, superintendent of Chattogram district police, held a discussion with Hefazat leaders around 4pm today.
As both sides reached a consensus, the hostage policeman was released and taken to Hathazari Police Station in the subsequent development.
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Hathazari Madrasa students took the policeman - Md Solomon, 40, a special branch constable of the district police - hostage since they clashed with the police in Hathazari on Friday.
"At the beginning of the clash, the madrassa students took constable Solaiman, who was on duty in civilian clothes, hostage. He is still being held by them. We have spoken to him over mobile phone. He is fine," Additional Superintendent of Police Abdullah Al Masum told The Business Standard.
Police sources said, at the same time, the trainee Superintendent of Police Farabi and SI Mehedi, who were on duty in Hathazari Dak Bangla area, were picked up by Hefazat activists.
Later in the afternoon, locals rescued the two policemen in critical condition. They are currently being treated at the Combined Military Hospital.
When contacted, Hefazat-e-Islam spokesman Zakaria Noman Faizi said, "I have heard the matter, but I am not sure yet."
The situation in Hathazari Sadar area has remained tense on Saturday as well after four people were killed in clashes between police, Hefazat activists and madrassa students on Friday.
A large number of madrasa students have been blocking the Chattogram-Khagrachhari road since morning. BGB along with RAB and police have been deployed to avoid untoward incidents.
The administration is holding meetings with the Hefazat-e-Islam leaders at Hathazari police station.
Earlier on Friday afternoon, four Hefazat-e-Islam activists were killed, and dozens injured when several hundreds of them clashed with cops in Chattogram's Hathazari. They attacked and vandalised a police station during the clash.
