Bloody Shootout in Chittagong’s Chaliyatali: The Real Target Was Sarowar Hossain Babla, BNP Leader Ershad Ullah Shot

Md. Kamal Uddin    |    ০৯:২৩ পিএম, ২০২৫-১১-০৫

— Mohammad Kamal Uddin
A horrific shootout took place on Wednesday (November 5) evening at Chaliyatali in the Bayezid area of Chittagong city. According to multiple sources, the primary target was not BNP leader Ershad Ullah, but rather the notorious gangster Sarowar Hossain Babla. Reliable intelligence sources confirm that a plan to assassinate Babla had been in motion for quite some time.
Behind this attack lies a long history of rivalry, vengeance, and blood-soaked turf wars in Chittagong’s underworld. Once, Sarowar Babla and another dreaded gangster known as “Chhoto Sajjad” jointly ruled parts of the city. Both had vast networks of followers, money, and firepower. But their alliance crumbled over territorial disputes and control of extortion and narcotics operations. That bitter rivalry eventually turned into a deadly vendetta.
According to special sources, a few months ago “Chhoto Sajjad” was arrested in Dhaka. During police interrogation, Babla’s name came up as one of the informants who had tipped off law enforcement. Since then, Sajjad’s men had allegedly placed a death warrant on Babla’s head. Despite several failed attempts in the past, Sajjad’s group never stopped planning his elimination.
Recently, Babla sought refuge under a political banner. He became an active supporter of Chittagong Metropolitan BNP convener Ershad Ullah and frequently accompanied him during political events and public campaigns in the Chandgaon–Bakolia constituency. However, Ershad Ullah may not have realized that Babla was already being hunted.
At around 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, during an election campaign in Chaliyatali, a group of unidentified gunmen on motorcycles opened fire indiscriminately. Eyewitnesses confirmed that Babla was the intended target. However, Ershad Ullah, who was standing close to him, was struck by multiple bullets in the chest and arm, collapsing on the spot. Within moments, the area turned into a scene of chaos and bloodshed.
Both Babla and Ershad Ullah were rushed to Evercare Hospital in critical condition. Doctors have described Ershad Ullah’s condition as serious. Rumors have been circulating that Babla has died, though no official confirmation has yet been made.
Locals and security officials agree that this was not a politically motivated attack, but rather an extension of the long-standing gang rivalry between Chhoto Sajjad and Sarowar Babla. The assault appears to have been carefully orchestrated by Sajjad’s group to settle old scores.
A senior security analyst commented, “This was a well-planned assassination attempt. Ershad Ullah was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. Babla’s involvement in politics only intensified his existing conflicts.”
A senior police official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “We are investigating this as a case of personal revenge and gang rivalry, not a political incident. Babla’s criminal past and his conflict with Sajjad are central to our probe.”
Fear and tension now grip the Bayezid and Chandgaon neighborhoods. Locals fear that this attack could spark a new wave of retaliatory killings. One elderly resident said, “Gang culture has become a monster in this city. These criminals find shelter under political banners, while ordinary people pay the price.”
Further information indicates that Chhoto Sajjad was released from prison only a few days ago. After his release, he became obsessed with avenging his arrest, believing Babla was responsible for his downfall. Trusted sources reveal that Sajjad’s group had been monitoring Babla’s movements for weeks, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. That moment came on Wednesday evening in Chaliyatali—resulting in a bloody shootout that has once again shaken Chittagong’s fragile law and order.
This report has been prepared based on an on-site investigative visit by our special correspondents, Jamal Uddin and G. San. They collected verified information through direct observation, interviews with eyewitnesses, locals, and hospital authorities at both Chaliyatali and Evercare Hospital. The report reflects their field investigation and verified findings.