A human chain organized by traders at the capital’s Karwan Bazar against alleged extortion by expelled Jubo Dal leader Abdur Rahman came under attack on Monday, triggering clashes and counter-chases between the two sides. Police and army personnel later brought the situation under control.
Following the attack, several traders warned that if Abdur Rahman is not arrested within the next 24 hours, they will shut their shops and take to the streets in protest. The traders later brought out a protest procession.
The incident occurred around noon in the wholesale raw materials area adjacent to Karwan Bazar, creating tension in the locality. Police and army personnel were deployed in the area to maintain order.
Traders said that while the human chain was under way, a group of miscreants attacked them, prompting the traders to chase the attackers with sticks.
Several rounds of chases and counter-chases took place between the traders and the miscreants. However, no casualties were reported.
During the protest, angry traders chanted slogans such as “Break the den of extortionists” and “There is no place for extortionists in this land.”
According to the traders, Abdur Rahman, an expelled leader of Jubo Dal, has been collecting extortion money from Karwan Bazar traders since August 5.
When traders organized the human chain in protest, his associates allegedly attacked the programme with sticks. Market traders then joined forces and chased the attackers away.
Speaking to Dhaka Tribune on condition of anonymity, one trader said a meeting of the Karwan Bazar market committee had recently been held, where traders discussed the losses caused by extortion. Complaints were lodged with the local police station and an army camp, and it was collectively decided to organize a human chain.
He alleged that supporters of Abdur Rahman attacked the demonstration in the morning with sticks.
Didar, a poultry trader at Karwan Bazar, told Dhaka Tribune that it is impossible to conduct business in the market without paying extortion money. He claimed that since August 5, BNP activists have been regularly collecting extortion as part of an organised syndicate. He alleged that Abdur Rahman’s men carried out the attack.
Tejgaon police station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Kaishainu Marma told Dhaka Tribune that traders were holding a human chain against extortion when a group arrived and obstructed them, leading to chases between the two sides. He said police and army personnel later brought the situation under control.
Asked whether police would take action against Abdur Rahman, the OC said several cases have already been filed against him and that he is currently out on bail in all of them.
He added that if traders submit a written complaint, police will investigate the matter and take appropriate action.
