20 injured in clash, vandalism at Gazipur trade fair

At least 20 people were injured in a clash and subsequent vandalism at a trade and cottage industry fair in Shimultoli of Gazipur metropolis.

The incident took place around 11:00pm at the fairground on the Army Pharma field on Saturday (November 22).

According to witnesses, the trouble began when a stall attempted to sell cigarettes at a price higher than the fixed rate. A customer objected, and stall workers allegedly assaulted him. The incident quickly sparked outrage among locals, who then stormed the fair, vandalising several shops, a lottery booth and the fair office. Panic spread through the crowd, causing many to fall or be pushed, resulting in injuries.

Local youths Suman and Tanjil said that anger over the assault prompted groups of residents to enter the fair and carry out the vandalism. As the situation escalated, fair workers fled the area.

Police arrived at the scene around 11:30pm and brought the situation under control.

Mehedi Hasan, officer-in-charge (OC) of the Sadar Police Station, said that a minor dispute between locals and fair authorities led to the attack.

The fair had reportedly been operating for nearly two months without official permission, fueling local resentment and contributing to the unrest.