Traders' human chain against extortionists comes under attack at Karwan Bazar
The traders alleged that the attack took place in the presence of police. They warned that if Abdur Rahman is not arrested within the next 24 hours, they will shut down their shops and take to the streets in protest.
An attack was carried out on a human chain organised by traders protesting extortion at Karwan Bazar in the capital, triggering a brief chase and counter-chase between the two sides.
The incident took place in front of the Karwan Bazar kitchen market at around 11:15am today (29 December).
Tension prevailed in the area afterward, with police and army personnel deployed on the spot.
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Confirming the incident, Tejgaon Police Station's Inspector (operations) Abdul Hannan told The Business Standard that traders had been holding a peaceful human chain against a man named Abdur Rahman. They have organised similar human chains before, he added.
"Police were present in the area during today's programme as well. Suddenly, a few people tried to snatch their banners, leading to a scuffle between the two sides. Later, there was a chase and counter-chase. The situation is now under control," said the inspector.
According to traders, Abdur Rahman, an expelled leader of Jubo Dal, has been collecting extortion money from Karwan Bazar traders since 5 August. When traders organised the human chain in protest, Abdur Rahman's associates allegedly attacked them with sticks. Traders from the market then came out in large numbers and chased the attackers away.
The traders alleged that the attack took place in the presence of police. They warned that if Abdur Rahman is not arrested within the next 24 hours, they will shut down their shops and take to the streets in protest.
After the incident, the traders also held an immediate protest procession in the area.
Jamaat's Porwar condemns attack
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General and former MP Mia Golam Porwar has strongly condemned and protested the "brutal attack" on traders who took part in a peaceful human chain against syndicate-based extortion at Karwan Bazar.
In a statement issued today, Porwar said attacks on peaceful movements run completely contrary to democratic rights and the rule of law.
"Where it is the responsibility of the state and the administration to take effective action to curb heinous crimes such as extortion, launching terrorist attacks on innocent traders who are protesting cannot be acceptable under any circumstances," he said.
Mia Golam Porwar demanded that those involved in the attack be immediately identified and punished exemplarily, and urged the authorities to ensure the overall security of traders at Karwan Bazar.
