Accomplices to fascists created unrest during Mirpur eviction drive: Dhaka North administrator
The footpath clearance programme for ensuring the free movement of city residents will continue, he says.
Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Administrator Shafiqul Islam Khan Milton has blamed what he called "accomplices to fascists" for a planned attack during a footpath eviction drive in Mirpur today (30 September), alleging that the attackers had prepared in advance to create disorder.
He said those involved would face legal action and vowed that the DNCC's drive to clear illegally occupied footpaths would continue.
At least three DNCC garbage trucks were set on fire, while a police vehicle and an excavator were vandalised during the eviction drive in the Mirpur-10 area. A passer-by was injured and several journalists covering the incident were also allegedly harassed.
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Visiting the Hope Market area around 1pm, Milton said the attackers had targeted Dhaka North workers, journalists and police personnel during the operation.
He alleged that the "accomplices to fascists" had deliberately created unrest and set fire to a mosque. "The footpath clearance programme for ensuring the free movement of city residents will continue."
The administrator further said cases would be filed by both the police and the city corporation against those involved in the violence and called for their immediate arrest following investigation.
"Several people involved in the attack had already been identified," Shafiqul added.
Earlier in the day, the DNCC launched the eviction drive around 9:30am to clear illegal occupants from footpaths around the Mirpur-10 roundabout.
DNCC workers, accompanied by police, began removing roadside shops, triggering an altercation with hawkers and traders.
The situation escalated after a fire reportedly broke out during the operation, allegedly due to an electrical short circuit. A section of the traders then attacked DNCC vehicles, with three garbage trucks eventually set on fire.
According to eyewitnesses, the excavator used by the eviction team and a police vehicle were also vandalised. Police later fired tear-gas shells as tensions escalated, while traders responded by throwing bricks and stones.
Several journalists covering the incident also faced verbal confrontations and alleged harassment by some hawkers. A vehicle belonging to a private television channel was vandalised.
The situation later returned to normal, with the hawkers and roadside traders leaving the area.
