DHAKA: Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner AKM Shahidul Haque said Awami League MP Nurunnabi Chowdhury Shaon is not an offender under the Arms Act, but he failed to keep the licensed gun in his possession safely.

The city police boss came up with the comment in a press briefing at the headquarters of the Detective Branch of Police Tuesday, in the wake of contentions over the incident involving the lawmaker’s pistol.

He however said, “The investigation officer of Ibrahim killing case will interrogate MP Shaon, if necessary.”

The DMP commissioner said according to Masum Ahmed, the plaintiff of the case and younger brother of victim Ibrahim, Shaon had no involvement in the incident. “But Ibrahim’s wife claimed that Shaon was involved.”

Confirming the investigation process, Shahidul said, “Police will recommend cancellation of the license for Shaons’ firearms.”

“It is owner’s responsibility to keep one’s firearms after getting the license. But Shaon is not an offender but failed to protect his licensed arm,” added Shahidul.

Claiming cent-percent impartiality in the investigation into the case, the police commissioner said, “We are carrying out the investigation into the case impartially and criminals must not be spared.”

Earlier on Sunday, State Minister for Law and Justice Advocate Kamrul Islam said Shaon is an offender under the Arms Act.

"Nobody can keep another person’s licensed arms as per the law," he had said after a meeting at the Home Ministry.

A local Awami League Leader and probable city corporation councilor candidate from DCC Ward No 56, Ibrahim fell to a pistol bullet in Sangsad Bhaban area on August 13. It was reportedly the MP’s licensed pistol.

BDST: 1607 HRS, SEP 07, 2010