30 injured in clash between police, residents during eviction drive in Khulna
The eviction drive began under the leadership of the National Housing Authority to hand over plots to their owners
A clash broke out between police and residents during an eviction drive at a slum in Mujgunni area in Khulna, leaving at least 30 people injured, including policemen and locals.
The eviction drive began this afternoon (21 September) under the leadership of the National Housing Authority to hand over plots to their owners.
Khalishpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Meera Tahar Ali said, "We went to assist in the eviction drive led by a magistrate of the National Housing Authority. When we started the process, they hurled bricks at us. Fourteen policemen, including myself, were injured."
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From the beginning, residents blocked the road by burning tyres and placing tree trunks. The situation escalated when police charged baton, leading to a clash.
At one stage, locals threw bricks, forcing police to retreat. Later, police fired tear gas to bring the situation under control. A bulldozer used in the drive was also vandalised. Residents said they would not allow the eviction without proper rehabilitation.
Around 200 families are currently living on two acres of land in Mujgunni. However, in 1987, the National Housing Authority allotted the land to 42 plot owners through a lottery. Even after 35 years, the owners have not received their land.
