BCL leader held, activists go on rampage in Ctg

Shawkat Hossain, a BCL central committee member, was wanted by police as seven arrest warrants were issued against him in 1995 and 1996, police said. He is also an accused in a few criminal cases lodged with different police stations.

Tipped off, police raided the Hotel Shahjahan at around 10.30pm and nabbed Shawkat Hossain alias 'Kana' Shawkat from a room. He was immediately taken to the police station, sources said.

Protesting his arrest, about 50 BCL activists took out a procession in the area and damaged at least 10 vehicles, including private cars, witnesses said.

The Chittagong city BCL also held a protest rally in front of its office yesterday and demanded his immediate release.

The BCL leaders alleged that Shawkat was implicated in false cases.