KHULNA. Dec 11: Sharif Abdul Hannan. Labour Secretary of city Awami League and main rival of top terrorist Ershad Shikdar, was arrested from his residence early this morning on four criminal charges.

Police said he created a reign of terror in the Skid Ghat area •for collecting toll and raising unauthorised fund in the name of his party.

He is an FIR-named accused in four criminal cases said a high level source In the KMP.

Police said. Sharif Hannan and his associates belonging to "Manzurul Imam" group of Awami League was trying to re-

habilitate the absconding accomplices of Ershad Shikdar at the Skid Ghat

Sharif Hannan played a key role in the 'deep-rooted conspiracy' for removing the incumbent Police Commissioner who is against any sort of illegal activities' at the Skid Ghat after arrest of Ershad Shikdar.

Police said Hannan encouraged drug trading, smuggling and extortion in Khulna Bazar and railway colony areas.

Few days ago Hannan organised an attack on patrol police for protesting sale of phensidyl and extortion at the Skid Ghat Besides, he frequently used to threaten different police officials for intensifying patrol in Skid Ghat and railway colony areas.

Police further alleged that Sharif Hannan has been obstructing government's revenue earning from Skid Ghat. His bail prayer was rejected by the court this afternoon and he was sent to district Jail.

According to police and eye witnesses. Sharif Abdul Hannan is the arch rival of Shikdar. Ershad Shikdar brutally killed four persons for supporting Sharif Hannan in capturing leadership of Khulna Bazar handling workers' union.

But few days after arrest of Shikdar, Hannan tried to capture Skid Ghat in the same style which Shikdar had done.

A tense situation is prevailing in the city following arrest of Hannan. Supporters of his group in the party brought out a procession, in the morning to protest arrest and demand his unconditional release.

Handling workers of his Sroup in the Awami League ave threatened to paralyse all activities at Skid Ghat and Khulna Bazar.

Meanwhile, police recovered a sawed-off ritle from Skid Ghat today.

A combing operation will be resumed tomorrow to evict those who have been resettled by Sharif Hannan in the Skid Ghat and railway colony areas said a source in the KMP.