A number of Ganajagaran Mancha activists including its spokesperson Imran H Sarker were injured as they came under police attack at the diplomatic enclave of Gulshan circle 2 yesterday.
The activists were marching towards Pakistan High Commission, for the second consecutive day, to lay a siege to it demanding cancellation of diplomatic tie with Pakistan.
Around 3:30pm, law enforcers suddenly charged baton on the gathering to disperse the protesters who were chanting slogans condemning the Pakistani parliament’s resolution on the execution of war criminal Abdul Quader Molla.
At least 15 people were injured in the clash with police when they were forced to leave the place, the activists claimed. Roadside shops in the area were immediately shut amid the scuffle. As police tried to pick up the activists a skirmish took place.
Among the injured, Imran was admitted to nearby Labaid Hospital with several injuries, said Muktijoddha Sangsad organiser and freedom fighter MA Awal.
“The law enforcers dispersed the gathering as the activists had no permission to hold a rally there,” said Maj Mostaque Ahmed of Rab 1 who was present at the spot.
He said the marchers also tried to lay a siege to the Pakistan High Commission which is located in the diplomatic zone.
Freedom fighter Abul Kalam Azad termed the police attack a “shame.”
The police brought the situation under control around 4:30pm.
The law enforcers detained five activists from the area who were later released from Gulshan police station around 5pm. They are Shipra Bose, Lopa, Shammi Akhetr, Monir and Noyon, said OC Rafiqul Islam of Gulshan police.
On Wednesday, after demonstrating near the Pakistan mission, the platform gave an ultimatum to the government to temporarily break off its diplomatic tie with Islamabad by 3pm yesterday and warned of a non-stop sit-in programme if the demand was not met.
On Monday, the Pakistan National Assembly adopted a resolution expressing concern over Jamaat-e-Islami leader Quader Molla’s execution.
