Police arrested a BNP activist, seen brandishing a pistol while clashing with Awami League activists in Sreepur upazila of Gazipur on Saturday in a video that has been circulated widely.

Md Moniruzzaman, Sreepur Police Station officer-in-charge (OC), confirmed the arrest and told media that the motive behind toting the firearm was to “terrorise people” before attack.

Law enforcers arrested the man identified as Jahidul Islam and seized the pistol from his possession.

Read more: BNP marches from Shyamoli to Bosila to push for 10-point demand

According to reports, Jahidul was spotted brandishing a pistol during Saturday’s clash between Awami League and BNP activists in Gazipur’s Sreepur.

Meanwhile, at least 19 people were injured in a clash between Awami League and BNP activists during the latter’s ongoing union-level march in Sirajganj’s Sadar upazila on Saturday. Twelve motorbikes were vandalised and three were burnt during the clash.

Md Humayun Kabir, officer-in-charge of Sadar Police Station, said brickbats were thrown from a BNP procession when AL activists were holding a meeting to prepare for a peace rally.

On social media, many questioned posts and tweets from BNP-Jamaat activists and allies for putting the blame solely on law enforcers and asking UN to “put pressure on Bangladesh” while keeping mum over such attacks by their activists at the grassroots level.