An eviction drive to recover government land in Bauniabadh, Pallabi turned tense on Wednesday after local residents allegedly attacked police during the operation.
The drive began around 10am in the Kalsi Steel Bridge and Switch Gate area, led by Abdul Baten, the MP for Dhaka-16, along with an executive magistrate and a large number of police personnel.
Authorities said nearly 50 bighas of land belonging to the National Housing Authority had been occupied for years.
According to local sources, the land had been illegally occupied for an extended period, housing various structures including slum dwellings, garages, scrap shops, drug spots, and political clubs.
The situation turned volatile when Jubo Dal leader Lalchan and his followers reportedly initiated an attack, hurling brickbats at the police. As the confrontation escalated and moved beyond control, the Executive Magistrate and police officers were forced to retreat to safety.
Video footage from the scene further depicts a man being physically assaulted after being labelled a member of the Awami League. When police personnel attempted to rescue the individual, they were met with further aggression.
Additionally, there have been allegations that journalists present at the site were obstructed from recording video footage of the unfolding violence.
