Law enforcers were compelled to use force against a group of political activists in the capital’s Bijoynagar area on Friday night, after the activists attacked them, rejecting officers’ repeated calls for exercising restraint during tensions with a rival group, says an ISPR press release.
Five army personnel and several policemen were injured in the violence, ISPR claimed in the press release.
The agitators also threatened public safety by attempting to set fire to several establishments, and disrupting people’s movement in Bijoynagar, Naya Paltan, and adjacent areas, the press release added.
"At around 8:00pm on Friday, a clash and chase-counter chase erupted between activists of two political parties in the Kakrail area of the capital. Several people were injured during the incident," said ISPR. To bring the situation under control, both the army and police were deployed.
At the outset, law enforcement personnel urged both groups to remain calm, leave the area peacefully, and resolve their differences within the framework of existing laws.
Initially, the police arrived at the scene and attempted to control the situation. However, as the clash escalated, they sought assistance from the army. When the police intervened, they came under attack, leaving several members injured, as per the ISPR press release.
"Despite repeated calls for restraint, some activists ignored the requests and attempted to escalate tensions through mob violence," said the release, adding "they launched organized attacks on law enforcement."
Around 9:00pm, the anarchists intensified the violence with a torch procession and during this time, they threw bricks and stones.
"As all peaceful resolution efforts failed, to protect public safety, law enforcement was compelled to use force," the press release further said.
"The Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of mob violence. The Bangladesh Army has reiterated its commitment to this decision and remains fully prepared to take a firm stand against mob violence to restore public confidence and ensure safety. The army is determined to safeguard public security, law and order, and peace at all times," the release said.