Violent clashes, arson and vandalism erupted in the capital’s Mirpur-10 area on Wednesday following a road and a sidewalk eviction drive. Angry hawkers and street vendors set fire to three Dhaka North City Corporation garbage trucks and vandalized two police vehicles.
According to police sources the unrest started during an eviction drive against illegal footpath traders in Mirpur-10. A fire initially broke out due to an electrical short circuit during the operation, which further enraged local vendors. The situation escalated quickly as protesters launched attacks on city corporation and law enforcement vehicles.
When police went to the scene Street hawkers also clashed with the law enforcers. Three DNCC vehicles were set on fire amid the violence.
Two firefighting units rushed to the scene to extinguish the flames while police deployed additional forces to bring the area under control. Deputy Police Commissioner (DC) of Mirpur Division, Mohammad Naser Riqabdar confirmed that law enforcement agencies reacted swiftly to restore order.
