A footpath eviction drive by Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) at Mirpur-10 turned violent on Wednesday as hawkers clashed with law enforcement agencies, leaving several city corporation vehicles torched and a police vehicle and an excavator damaged.
The clash broke out during a drive to remove shops from the footpath in front of Hope Market. Police fired tear gas shells after hawkers allegedly hurled brickbats at law enforcers, while authorities attempted to bring the situation under control.
According to eyewitnesses and people involved in the incident, a fire originated from electrical wires on the western side of Baitul Quddus Jame Mosque during the drive.
The incident triggered anger among footpath traders, who later became involved in clashes with authorities.
At one stage, at least two DNCC vehicles were vandalised and set on fire. Another source said three garbage trucks belonging to the city corporation were also torched. A police vehicle and the excavator used in the eviction drive were damaged during the confrontation.
As the situation escalated, police and hawkers engaged in chases and counter-chases around the area. When a police pickup arrived from the Mirpur-10 roundabout, brickbats were thrown at the vehicle, eyewitnesses said.
Ansar members deployed during the operation were also seen moving towards Mirpur-13 amid the unrest. Witnesses said a group of around 20 to 30 people attacked them with sticks and bricks.
Three Fire Service units reached the spot and brought the fires under control after around 15 to 20 minutes. Fire Service control room duty officer Rakib Hossain confirmed that the units were sent after receiving reports of a fire in the area.
Around 11:45am, footpath traders gathered in front of Mirpur Ideal College, while police took position at the Mirpur-10 roundabout. The area remained tense as traders threw brickbats after police fired tear gas shells.
A passer-by, Nasir Uddin, was injured after being hit by bricks and a helmet during the clash. He said he was returning after completing work at the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) when he was attacked near the roundabout.
The unrest also affected journalists covering the incident. Some hawkers allegedly obstructed media workers from taking photographs and videos. A vehicle belonging to a private television channel was reportedly vandalised, while Samakal photographer Mahbub Hossain Nabin was allegedly assaulted while taking photographs of damaged vehicles.
Mirpur Division Deputy Commissioner of Police Mohammad Nasher Rikabdar confirmed the incident.
Eyewitnesses said the number of hawkers involved in the confrontation appeared higher than that of police personnel, forcing law enforcers to retreat temporarily amid heavy brickbat attacks.
