Several leaders and activists of Ganatantra Mancha, including Zonayed Saki, were injured when the police baton-charged them during a protest march towards the Secretariat against price hikes and money laundering.
Ganatantra Mancha organized the protest rally in front of the National Press Club on Wednesday.
After the rally, the protesters marched towards the Secretariat and encountered police barricades at the zero point of Gulistan.
At that time, the leaders and activists of the party attempted to break the barricade, but the police obstructed them.
A scuffle ensued when the police obstructed the party members.
The police charged batons for the first time, injuring several people, including Zonayed Saki.
Later, when the leaders and activists attacked the police again, the police once more charged batons at them.
Protesting the police attack, Biplobi Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque said: “We were protesting peacefully, but the police stopped us. At least 50 of our leaders and activists were injured. They were sent to the hospital. The police beat up Zonayed Saki. We are taking him to the hospital.”
DMP Ramna Zone ADC Shah Alam Mohammad Aktarul Islam refuted the claim of 50 injuries among leaders and activists. He challenged the number, suggesting scrutiny of the video footage to assess the actual presence.
He said: “Assurances of a peaceful procession were breached when they attempted to breach barricades and enter the building. Despite police efforts to defuse tensions, some seemingly trained individuals persisted in aggressive actions. A few individuals trying to attack the police were detained, and the number of arrests remains unclear at this time.”
Meanwhile, at the rally before the march, Zonayed Saki said: “A group is desperate to keep this government in power. The government does mega-projects for mega loot. Everyone gets a share of this loot money.”
“This government cannot be toppled unless people take action. Do not rely on foreigners. They take advantage. We have to restore the voting rights of our people by ousting this government through people’s movement,” he added.
At the rally, Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna said: “No matter how much the government behaves, it will not be able to reduce prices during Ramadan. No country can run worse than the way Bangladesh is running now.”
