Police Baton-Charge Injures Protesters at Left Democratic Alliance Rally

Police obstructed a protest march heading towards Jamuna, organised to demand the cancellation of the alleged anti-national lease agreements of the Laldiya–Pangaon Terminal with foreign companies and to stop the process of leasing out the New Mooring and Patenga terminals to foreign entities.

The march came under police obstruction at Kakrail junction in the capital this afternoon, Thursday. A scuffle broke out between police and protesters, after which police baton-charged the demonstrators. Several protesters were injured in the incident.

Among the injured, 12 individuals received treatment at the emergency department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital. They are Kazi Ruhul Amin, Jahur Lal Roy, Onto Abindom, Imtiaz Ahmed Rafiin, Russell Ahmed, Shoaib Ahmed Asif, Seema Dutta, Shahinur Akhter Sumi, Fahim Ahmed Chowdhury, Swakai Islam, Rakib Ahmed and Prism Fakir.

Inspector Md Faruk, in-charge of the DMCH police camp, said the injured were given primary treatment. Doctors stated that none of the injuries were serious.

Prior to the march, a rally was held in front of the National Press Club from 11:30 am to 12 pm, jointly organised by the Left Democratic Alliance, Anti-Fascist Left Platform, Bangladesh Jasod and the National Ganofront.

After the rally, the protest march proceeded towards the Chief Adviser’s residence. At 12:20 pm, the march reached Kakrail, where police intervened. A scuffle ensued, followed by police baton-charging the protesters.

Masud Alam, Deputy Commissioner of Ramna Division Police, told গণমাধ্যম that gatherings and processions are prohibited near the Chief Adviser’s residence. He said police had held several rounds of discussions with the organisers. Despite this, when protesters attempted to approach Jamuna, police tried to halt them with a barricade. A scuffle followed. He claimed it cannot be described strictly as baton-charging; rather, they were prevented from advancing towards Jamuna.

Bajlur Rashid Firoz, General Secretary of the Socialist Party of Bangladesh (BASAD), said police baton-charged a peaceful protest. He added that CPB General Secretary Abdullah Kafi, CPB central committee member Ruhul Amin and several others were injured.

Protesters later staged a sit-in at Kakrail junction.

In protest against the police action, BASAD General Secretary Bajlur Rashid Firoz announced a protest march and rally tomorrow, Friday, at 4 pm in front of the National Press Club.

At 1:10 pm today, the demonstrators left Kakrail after the announcement and marched back to the Press Club, concluding the programme.

Khaborwala/SS