Policeman Killed in Clash with BNP Activists in Dhaka; 50 More Cops Injured
Last Updated on October 28, 2023 2:11 pm
Dhaka: In a tragic turn of events, a policeman lost his life during a violent clash between law enforcement and activists from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in the Fakirapool area of Dhaka on Saturday afternoon, according to police reports.
The fallen officer, identified as Constable Parvez, was pronounced dead upon arrival at Dhaka Medical College Hospital around 4:00 pm, as confirmed by hospital officials. Constable Parvez hailed from Daulatpur in Manikganj.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Additional Deputy Commissioner for Media, KN Roy Niyoti, reported that the fatal incident occurred during a confrontation between the police and BNP activists at Fakirapool. “We are in the process of gathering more information about the incident,” he added. Additionally, it was revealed that at least 50 other police officers sustained injuries during the clashes.
Disturbingly, when Constable Parvez was brought to the hospital, his uniform had no nameplate or police badge, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding his death. Hospital authorities indicated signs of severe physical trauma, including a prominent mark on the back of his head.
The BNP, as the main opposition party in Bangladesh, announced a nationwide dawn-to-dusk hartal for Sunday after their planned grand rally in Dhaka was disrupted by law enforcement activities. The announcement was made by the BNP’s Secretary General during the grand rally, which took place around 3:00 pm.
BNP leaders and activists alleged that their grand rally was thwarted due to attacks on BNP members by both the police and activists of the ruling Awami League. Clashes were reported in several areas, including Paltan, Bijoynagar, Nightingale, and Fakirapool, further escalating the tension in the city.
In an alarming development, unidentified individuals set fire to a parked bus in front of the Islami Bank Hospital in the Kakrain area and another bus on the Mouchak Flyover in Dhaka on Saturday afternoon. The bus driver, Monir Hossain, revealed that the bus had been transporting police personnel earlier that day, and within 15 minutes of their departure, two individuals arrived at the scene, doused the bus with petrol, and set it ablaze before fleeing on a motorcycle.
Ramna Police Station Officer-in-Charge Abul Hasan confirmed the incident, describing it as an act of arson. A similar incident involving the torching of a Balaka Paribahan bus on the Mouchak flyover was also reported by the police and witnesses.
The situation remains tense in Dhaka as authorities work to investigate these disturbing events and maintain peace in the city.