A peaceful demonstration against systemic extortion in Dhaka’s Karwan Bazar turned violent on Monday morning when unidentified attackers disrupted a traders' human-chain protest.
The incident has heightened tensions in one of the city's largest wholesale kitchen markets. The protest, which began around 11:30 AM, was organized by local traders who claim they have been subjected to months of relentless extortion.
According to witnesses, shortly after the demonstration commenced, a group of individuals armed with sticks launched a sudden assault on the participants. The assault led to a series of "back-and-forth chases" between the traders and the armed group, causing panic among shoppers and stallholders.
While police have not officially confirmed the identities of the attackers, several traders alleged that members of the Jubo Dal (the youth wing of the BNP) were involved in the disruption.
Officers from the Tejgaon Police Station, led by OC Kayshainu Marma, arrived at the scene to restore order. Police confirmed that the situation is now under control.
No major injuries have been reported, and no formal complaints have been lodged as of Monday afternoon.
However, police remain on high alert in the Karwan Bazar area to prevent further skirmishes. Traders have called for increased security and a definitive end to the "extortion culture" that plagues the market.
Comment
