20 injured as Chhatra Dal-Jubo Dal clash over stalls in New Market footpath

A clash broke out between leaders and activists of Dhaka College Chhatra Dal and local Jubo Dal members in the capital’s New Market area over the setting up of roadside stalls.

The incident began around 7:30pm on Tuesday in front of Balaka Cinema Hall and later spread to nearby areas.

At least 20 people from both sides were injured in several rounds of clashes and chases. Additional police have been deployed in the area to bring the situation under control.

According to police and eyewitnesses, several shops had been set up on the footpath in front of Balaka Cinema Hall by followers of KM Chanchal, member secretary of New Market Thana Jubo Dal.

On Tuesday evening, several Chhatra Dal activists from Dhaka College went there and asked the shopkeepers to remove the stalls. An argument between the two sides soon turned into a physical altercation.

Chhatra Dal activists alleged that shortly afterwards, more than 50 people led by KM Chanchal attacked them with sticks and locally made weapons.

After news of the incident reached the Dhaka College campus, more than 100 Chhatra Dal activists went to Chanchal’s political office in Basundhara Goli, adjacent to Priyangon Market in New Market, and allegedly vandalised the office.

A fresh clash and chase then broke out between the two groups, leaving at least 20 people injured.

Several of the injured are receiving treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Popular Medical College Hospital and other hospitals and clinics.

Hasan Farazi, joint office secretary of Dhaka College Chhatra Dal, said at least 15 of their activists were injured in the clash, including joint convener Prince Khandaker, Sumon Shikder and members Sagar Khan and Saymon Islam.

He, however, could not immediately provide details about what triggered the clash.

KM Chanchal, member secretary of New Market Thana Jubo Dal, denied the allegation that he had led the attack. He said he was not present at the scene when the clash took place.

According to Chanchal, several Jubo Dal activists had been running businesses on the footpath.

He alleged that some outsiders claiming to be members of Dhaka College Chhatra Dal went there on Tuesday and assaulted them.

He further alleged that his political office was later attacked, vandalised and looted.

Mohsin Uddin, officer-in-charge of New Market Police Station, said the clash began over the setting up of roadside shops and control over the area.

“The situation is currently under control. Police patrols have been intensified in the area to prevent any further untoward incident,” he added.

The OC added that neither side had yet filed a formal complaint with the police. Legal action would be taken if any complaint was submitted, he said.

Local sources said tensions have persisted over control of the footpaths in the New Market and Nilkhet areas since the political changeover on August 5.

There had been several minor altercations over the setting up and removal of shops in the past, but Tuesday’s incident escalated into a major clash.

Senior leaders of both organisations have reportedly been informed of the incident.