Clash during eviction drive leaves 30 injured in Khulna

A clash broke out between local residents and police in Mujgunni, Khulna, during an eviction drive in a slum colony, leaving at least 30 people injured. The identities of the injured have not yet been confirmed.

According to the Housing Authority, around 200 families live on a 2-acre plot in Mujgunni. The plots were sold by the authority in 1987, but 42 plot owners have yet to receive possession. An eviction operation began Sunday morning to hand over the land to the rightful owners. Residents resisted from the start, blocking the operation by burning tires and throwing tree branches. Police responded with a baton charge after 10am.

Locals reportedly threw bricks at the police, who then fired tear gas. A bulldozer brought in for the operation was destroyed during the clash. Residents have demanded proper rehabilitation arrangements before agreeing to vacate the land.

Khulna Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner Tajul Islam said the eviction drive has been temporarily suspended by order of the magistrate. Several police officers and locals were injured, and further details are awaited.