BNP mayoral candidate’s close aide detained

Police in a drive arrested a close aide of Ariful Haque, opposition BNP nominated mayoral candidate in Sylhet civic polls, from Hawapara area in the Sylhet city on Monday night.

Assistant Sub-inspector Anwara of Kotwali Police Station, said police arrested Abdullah Guljar from his residence around 3:00am in a case filed over a clash, according to UNB news agency.

Guljar was produced before the court on Tuesday, she added.

Wholesale detention of opposition BNP leaders and activists and raids in their houses by the police are increasing as the day of balloting in the Sylhet civic polls is nearing.

The police arrested at least seven leaders since Sunday and conducted raids in houses of more than 50 leaders in the past one week, alleged leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

Sylhet city polls are scheduled to be held on 30 July along with elections to two other city corporations - Rajshahi and Barishal.