BNP rally: How Dhaka turned into battleground

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) had granted permission to both the BNP and Awami League for their rally on the condition that it would proceed peacefully from beginning to end. However, this commitment was broken just before the rally scheduled for Saturday commenced. 

Unexpectedly, BNP activists initiated an attack, starting with an assault on the chief justice's residence around 1pm. Consequently, clashes gradually extended to various parts of the capital, including Kakrail, Paltan, Shantinagar, and Arambagh.

DMP Detective Branch chief Mohammad Harun-ur-Rashid said: "BNP leaders and activists initiated the attack on government establishments. The BNP had previously pledged to conduct the event peacefully and had obtained permission from the DMP commissioner under such conditions. However, suddenly, after 12pm, they launched an attack at the gate of the chief justice's residence and in front of the Judges' Quarters. In addition, two vehicles were set on fire in front of the IDB building, and BNP leaders and activists hurled bricks at the police. The police made efforts to control the situation."

Reporters on the scene said: “BNP leaders and activists attacked the nameplates and gates in front of the chief justice's residence by breaking tree branches and wielding sticks. They also began hurling bricks. Simultaneously, BNP supporters set fire to the Kakrail traffic police box. When the police attempted to intervene, a clash erupted with BNP leaders and activists.”

Following this incident, there were sporadic clashes between BNP leaders, activists and law enforcement agencies.

An official from the Ramna division reported that several rounds of tear gas shells were discharged to disperse BNP supporters. Additionally, two motorcycles were set on fire by BNP supporters. Police are actively working to regain control of the situation.

Later, clashes erupted from Kakrail to Segun Bagicha, encompassing the High Court area, Paltan, and Bijoynagar. More than 50 individuals, including journalists and police, have been reported injured. Intermittent clashes between law enforcement agencies and BNP supporters have occurred throughout the entire area surrounding the rally.