Clashes, arson erupt during footpath eviction drive in Mirpur

Clashes, vandalism and arson broke out in Dhaka’s Mirpur-10 area during a city corporation drive to clear illegal roadside shops and footpath businesses on Wednesday (September 30).

Hawkers and roadside traders allegedly vandalised a police vehicle and set fire to three city corporation garbage trucks during the eviction operation. An excavator was also damaged in the violence.

A fire also broke out in the area during the operation, reportedly due to an electrical short circuit. The incident further escalated tensions between the authorities and traders.

Two units of the Fire Service and Civil Defence were working to bring the fire under control.

Md Shahidul Islam, duty officer at Mirpur Model Police Station, confirmed the incidents.

Authorities have not yet disclosed whether anyone was injured or detained in connection with the clashes.