Mobile phone vendors clashed with police in the capital’s Karwan Bazar to protest the introduction of the National Equipment Identity Registrar (NEIR) system. The entire area turned into a battlefield in the clash that lasted from 11:30 am to 12:15 pm on Sunday (January 4).
Opposing the introduction of NEIR and demanding the release of businessmen arrested in the attack on the BTRC building, the Mobile Business Community Bangladesh (MBCB) took out a procession from Bangla Motor Intersection to block Karwan Bazar Intersection, bringing traffic to a standstill on this important road.
When the police tried to remove the protesters, a chase and counter-chase began between the two sides. At that time, the situation became heated when the protesters threw bricks at the police. The police lathi-charged the traders to disperse them and fired teargas, water cannons and sound grenades to control the situation.
In the first phase, the traders dispersed and took positions towards Jackfruit Bagan, but later tried to block the Karwan Bazar intersection again, and the police took strict action in the second phase.
After the clash, RAB and army members have been deployed at the scene in addition to the police to control the situation. The situation in the area is tense.