A series of altercations occurred between two factions of the “Jatiyotabadi Sromik-Kormochari Union” at Nagar Bhaban, the Dhaka South City Corporation headquarters, on Tuesday, resulting in injuries to several members from both sides.
Following the clash, members of the faction thought to be opposing BNP leader Ishraque Hossain allegedly got assaulted.
During the incident, a journalist filming the events was threatened with a knife and faced death threats.
Witnesses and employees reported that one faction is led by Arifuzzaman Prince, who is considered to be in opposition to Ishraque.
Before the incident, Prince arrived at Nagar Bhaban with his supporters from the Sromik group.
Shortly after their arrival, a clash ensued with followers of another faction led by Arif Chowdhury, resulting in injuries to several individuals from both groups.
The names of the injured could not be known immediately.
Approximately an hour and a half after the initial incident, supporters of Ishraque began arriving at Nagar Bhaban from various parts of Dhaka, taking position in front of the building.
On the scene around 1:30pm, a worker named Sheikh Muhammad Touhidul Islam was beaten on suspicion of being a supporter of Arifuzzaman Islam is a computer operator in the administration section of the city corporation.
Ishraque supporters, arriving from different areas of Dhaka, assaulted Touhidul, according to media reports.
The police intervened and attempted to rescue him, but Ishraque’s followers initially refused to hand him over.
Subsequently, another individual was beaten on suspicion of supporting Arifuzzaman.
Eventually, the police rescued both individuals and took them to the police station.
During the clashes, supporters of Ishraque were also seen harassing members of the media attempting to document the events.
Mohammad Asaduzzaman Shishir, a reporter for Nagorik Television, had his mobile phone seized by Ishraque’s followers, who deleted all photos and videos from the device.
During this, the reporter was also subjected to harassment and threats.
Discussions with various officials and employees at Nagar Bhaban revealed that Arif Chowdhury has been actively involved in the movement to install Ishraque as mayor from the outset.
Later, when another labour leader, Arifuzzaman, joined the movement at Nagar Bhaban, attacks were launched against them.
There had been pre-existing conflicts between these two factions.
Several employees at Nagar Bhaban reported that individuals not aligned with the Ishraque movement were considered part of the opposing faction.
Although affiliated with BNP politics, these employees were reportedly denied entry into Nagar Bhaban.
The arrival of members of this faction led by Arifuzzaman at Nagar Bhaban triggered the clashes.
Upon learning of Arifuzzaman’s presence at Nagar Bhaban, Ishraque’s supporters began arriving from various parts of Dhaka South City and assembled at the building.
At around 2pm, Ishraque’s supporters from various areas remained gathered in front of Nagar Bhaban, creating a tense and intimidating atmosphere.
