During the recent quota reform protests, violence erupted along the entire stretch from Jatrabari to Kanchpur, extending through Sonargaon to Meghna, turning the area into a battlefield and effectively paralyzing this critical entry point to the capital.  

The most intense clashes occurred in this zone, with thousands of armed BNP-Jamaat activists seizing control of the road from Kanchpur to Shanir Akhra and attempting to enter Dhaka. 

In these violent confrontations, at least two police officers were killed by Jamaat-affiliated gunmen.

Eyewitnesses reported that three female journalists were assaulted under the leadership of Siddhirganj Thana BNP General Secretary Iqbal.

BNP-Jamaat activists attacked and set fire to various government structures in Narayanganj, including commercial buildings owned by local Awami League members in Kanchpur.

Locals blamed these events on the failure and inaction of the Narayanganj Superintendent of Police (SP).

Activists from different parts of Narayanganj used the Kanchpur-Jatrabari road to attempt entry into Dhaka, leading to casualties among DMP police officers who tried to stop them. Despite these events, the role of the Narayanganj SP remained questionable. 

Lawmaker H.M. Ibrahim from Noakhali's Chatkhil recounted an incident on July 17, before the protests fully erupted. 
He said that he saw BNP-Jamaat activists gathering with sticks on the Shanir Akhra road while he was en route to Noakhali.

He immediately informed the Narayanganj SP of the situation, urging immediate action to prevent the gathering and avoid the closure of the Dhaka-Chittagong road. 
He alleged that the SP responded arrogantly.

According to lawmaker Ibrahim, the SP said to him, "I am the SP, I know what to do. You politicians know nothing!"

He also said that AL leaders in Narayanganj including Shamim Osman are aware of that the SP favoured BNP-Jamaat, resulting in their control over the Narayanganj and Dhaka-Chittagong road.

Source: Daily Sun

BDST: 1515 HRS, JULY 28, 2024