NOAKHALI: A BNP leader was shot to death during an arms recovery drive of police in Meripara area under Sonaimuri Upazila of the district early Thursday.

The deceased was identified as Tauhidul Islam, 40, former BNP joint convener of Amishapara Union under Sonaimuri Upazila.

On Wednesday, a team of Rapid Action Battalion arrested Touhid from Dhaka. Later, he was taken to Sonaimuri thana of Noakhali at night.

Confirming the matter, Sonaimuri Thana Officer-in-Charge Abdus Samad said that police went to Tauhid’s village to recover arms. Sensing their presence, his associates opened fire aiming law enforcers.

At one stage of firing, the victim received bullets injury, leaving him injured critically.

Later, he died on the way to Noakhali General Hospital.

BDST: 1042 HRS, JAN 30, 2014