A group of miscreants attacked a human chain formed by traders at Karwan Bazar in the capital on Monday, as they were protesting extortion. The incident later led to a chase and counter-chase between the two sides. Following the clash, police and army personnel were deployed in the area to bring the law-and-order situation under control.
The incident took place around 11:15am on Monday (December 29) in front of the Kitchen Market at Karwan Bazar. Tejgaon Police Station Inspector (Operations) Abdul Hannan confirmed the matter.
Since the incident, a tense situation has been prevailing across the Karwan Bazar area, with police and army personnel remaining deployed there.
According to the traders, Abdul Rahman, an expelled leader of Juba Dal, has been extorting money from Karwan Bazar traders since August 5. In protest, the traders organised a human chain, during which Abdul Rahman’s associates allegedly attacked them with sticks. Later, traders from the market came out and chased the attackers away.
The traders claimed they were attacked in the presence of police. They warned that if Abdul Rahman is not arrested within the next 24 hours, they will shut down their shops and take to the streets. Following the incident, the traders also brought out a protest procession.
Inspector Abdul Hannan said the traders were holding a peaceful human chain against a person named Abdul Rahman. He noted that similar demonstrations had taken place earlier and that police were present nearby during the programme.
“Suddenly, several individuals attempted to snatch the banners, which led to a scuffle between the two sides. Later, a chase and counter-chase ensued. The situation is now under control,” he added.