A top-listed criminal, Sarwar Hossain alias Babla (43), was shot dead during an election campaign with BNP’s nominated candidate Ershad Ullah in Chattogram-8 (Chandgaon-Boalkhali) constituency on Wednesday evening.

The incident occurred around 6:30pm, and both were taken to Evercare Hospital, where doctors declared Sarwar dead. Ershad Ullah, the BNP candidate and convener of Chattogram city BNP, sustained bullet injuries and is currently under treatment.

Chandgaon Police Station Officer-in-Charge Jahedul Kabir confirmed Sarwar’s death.

According to police, Sarwar was one of the top-listed criminals in Chattogram Metropolitan Police records, facing 16 cases involving murder, arms, and extortion. He was released on bail after August 5.

Earlier this year, on March 29, unidentified gunmen opened fire on Sarwar’s car on Bakalia Access Road, killing two of his associates — Bakhtiar Hossain Manik (30) and Md Abdullah (36). Sarwar and two others were injured at that time and later treated at Chattogram Medical College Hospital.

Police say Wednesday’s attack is linked to a rivalry between two criminal groups led by Sarwar and Sajjad Hossain alias Chhoto Sajjad, another listed criminal.

Earlier in the day, Sarwar joined Ershad Ullah’s campaign rally in Chalitatali area, where gunfire erupted, injuring three — Ershad, Sarwar, and a supporter named Shanto. Sarwar later succumbed to his injuries.

Local sources said Sarwar had recently reappeared in public after being out of sight since the March attack. He reportedly married a month ago, with several BNP leaders, including Ershad Ullah, attending the ceremony. After his release on bail last year, he was frequently seen at BNP events, though BNP leaders deny any party affiliation.

BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said the incident had “no connection with BNP.”

“Hundreds of people joined our candidate’s campaign. The gunfight broke out between two rival criminal groups, and Sarwar was hit. Our candidate Ershad Ullah was also shot but is now out of danger,” he said.

Chattogram Metropolitan Police (North) Deputy Commissioner Amirul Islam confirmed the death and added, “Ershad Ullah is hospitalized with bullet injuries. The attack appears to be linked to previous criminal rivalry.”

Police sources said Chhoto Sajjad, an operative of Shibir cadre Sajjad Ali, has long been involved in organized crime in Chattogram. Sarwar was previously his associate but split from the group in 2015, leading to ongoing hostilities.

Authorities are investigating the incident, which has reignited concerns over criminal infiltration into election activities in Chattogram.