Chittagong police are looking into the incident involving Mustafizur Rahaman Chowdhury, the member of parliament from Chittagong-16 (Banshkhali), who was seen carrying a pistol during a rally.
Confirming the news late on Tuesday, Chittagong Superintendent of Police SM Shafiullah said the District Special Branch (SB) was instructed to investigate whether the firearm was legal or illegal and why it was displayed.
“The SB will submit a report within the next three days, and steps will be taken upon receiving the report,” the SP added.
Banshkhali upazila Awami League on Monday afternoon organized a protest march against a Rajshahi BNP leader's death threat to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, where Mustafizur Rahaman Chowdhury was observed leading the march allegedly carrying a pistol.
A 3:44-minute video of the incident went viral on social media.
In the video, Awami League leaders and activists are seen marching with banners.
Lawmaker Mustafizur Rahaman Chowdhury was seen leading the procession and at one stage he took out a pistol from a handbag. Then he started walking with the pistol.
The lawmaker could not be reached for comment despite repeated attempts over the phone.
Meanwhile, the incident has sparked considerable debate and criticism.
Within the local and district leadership of the Awami League, discussions are ongoing regarding the appropriateness of leading a rally while flaunting a firearm.
The party leaders have also taken the matter seriously.
Mofizur Rahman, general secretary of the Awami League's Chittagong South unit, said that the party leaders carried out the rallies against the threat to assassinate Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, following the central directive.
“Why should one carry a pistol during a rally? The Awami League does not believe in the politics of weapons. Leading a rally with a pistol in hand is condemnable. The reputation of the party is being tarnished due to the reckless actions of a few individuals," he said.
