Violence
Prolonged blockades cause visible slump in economic activity
The nationwide blockades for the past few days have dealt a severe blow to the business landscape of Bangladesh, leaving wholesale markets desolate and causing a week-long economic slump.
The impact has spread over areas like New Market, Chandni Market, Eastern Plaza, Elephant Road, Farmgate, Gulistan Market, Shantinagar, Kakrail, Mouchak Market, Rampura-Badda, Mirpur, Dhanmondi, Gulshan-Banani, and Uttara in Dhaka.
Nawabpur, Chawkbazar, Islampur, Babubazar, Shankharibazar, Moulvibazar, and Bangabazar, also witnessed a decline in trade activities.
Economy buffeted by political unrest amid declining forex reserves: Analysts
Dewan Aminul Islam, President of Dhaka New Market Traders’ Association, said that sales were very low during the blockade.
“There are no buyers. Small traders are suffering more. If the blockade continues, then we will be the most affected,” he said.
Employees at Olympia Bakeryshop in the Baitul Mukarram area similarly report a decline in sales. They have resorted to a shift toward alternative sales strategies within familiar networks.
Sabuj, a tea vendor at Paltan intersection, said his shop faced a significant contraction in sales over the past week.
“I make TK10-12,000 per day. Now it’s Tk2-3,000," he said.
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Farooq Hasan, President of BGMEA, told UNB “The sector was already suffering from a shortage of buyers in the international market. Now, due to internal political instability, we have to face a more difficult situation. As a result, not only the export sector will be affected, but the entire economy of the country will be affected. It will also affect the reserves.”
Mohammad Hatem, Executive President of BKMEA, expressed concern over escalating losses among traders.
“The internal transportation of goods has been severely impeded. Industrial production witnessed a decline.Export sector is especially vulnerable to the ongoing blockade,” he said.
The Exporters Association of Bangladesh (EAB) President, Abdus Salam Murshedi, told UNB that due to the blockade, businesses cannot collect the raw materials stuck at various ports due to the transportation crisis.
Mahbubul Alam, president of Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), called for a collective reconsideration of the ongoing strike blockade.
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“Such programs, if prolonged, may lead to a standstill in the wheels of the economy,” he said.
On October 29, a hartal was observed across the country called by BNP and other like-minded opposition parties. After the three-day blockade on October 31, the blockade continued on November 5 and 6, and after the two-day blockade, it continued on November 8 and 9 with a one-day break.
Day 2 of 48 hr blockade underway with regular traffic movement on roads
The second day of the countrywide 48-hour blockade, called by BNP, Jamaat and like-minded opposition parties, is underway.
The ongoing blockade will end at 6 am tomorrow (November 10, 2023).
The presence of public transport on Dhaka roads seemed usual despite heightened tension and fear of violence.
Guardians were seen rushing their children to respective schools safely as final exams are starting in many educational institutions.
Rickshaws are dominating Dhaka streets while a few private vehicles are seen plying the streets.
In Chuadanga, leaders and activists of BNP and its associate bodies brought out a procession in support of the blockade on Chuadanga-Jhenaidah road at Rail Bazar area of the district town in the morning.
Blockade: Two vehicles torched in two districts
They also hurled brick chips targeting some vehicles passing through the area.
Multiple cases of arson violence were reported in places in Dhaka and across the country since Wednesday evening, on the first day of the 48-hour road-rail-waterways blockade.
On November 6, BNP, Jamaat and like-minded opposition parties announced the latest blockade across the country from Wednesday morning.
Another bus set ablaze in Dhaka’s Tantibazar amid blockade
The opposition parties gave a day’s break from its action programme on Tuesday as BNP observes November 7 as the ‘National Revolution and Solidarity Day’.
The latest spell of agitation was announced on the last day of the opposition’s previous 48-hour nationwide blockade which was marked by incidents of violence, including clashes with police, vandalising and burning vehicles .
Bus set on fire in Gazipur amid blockade
Earlier last week, the opposition’s three-day countrywide blockade saw clashes and widespread burning and vandalising vehicles, leaving four people — three in Kishoreganj and one in Sylhet — killed and over three dozen vehicles either burned or vandalised.
Chhatra Dal leader arrested over arson attack on Gazipur garment factories
Police have arrested a Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal leader who allegedly led vandalism and arson attacks on garment factories and other establishments in Gazipur.The arrestee was identified as Ripon Hossain, joint convener of Kaliakoir upazila unit of Chhatra Dal.A press briefing on the development was held at Gazipur Metropolitan Police Commissioner's office earlier today (November 07, 2023).
Read: Case filed against 85 BNP leaders, activists over bus burnt in Khulna's RupshaGazipur Metropolitan Police Commissioner Md Mahbub Alam said that after going over footage and photos, it was found that several garment factories in Shafipur and Konabari of the district were set on fire and vandalised under Ripon Hossain’s leadership.“Under his leadership, attempts were made to create an unstable environment by committing these crimes to implement the party's agenda in the name of demanding wage hikes for garment workers,” the Gazipur police commissioner said.
Read: US says it takes any violence leading up to election in Bangladesh ‘incredibly seriously’A police team arrested Ripon from Dhaka's Hazaribagh area yesterday.The Chhatra Dal leader will be sent to court and police will appeal for 10 days' remand for more details, the police official added.
US says it takes any violence leading up to election in Bangladesh ‘incredibly seriously’
The United States has said it is closely monitoring the electoral environment in Bangladesh, leading up to January’s general election, and that it takes any incident of violence “incredibly seriously”.
“We are engaging and will continue to engage with the government, with opposition parties, with civil society, and other stakeholders to urge them to work together for the benefit of the Bangladeshi people,” Principal Deputy Spokesperson for the US Department of State, Vedant Patel, said.
Read: US says it takes any violence leading up to election in Bangladesh ‘incredibly seriously’
He made the remarks at a regular briefing on November 6 when a reporter wanted to know whether the US will ask for putting an end to the violence and participation in the election.
Patel reiterated that the US does not support any particular political party in Bangladesh.
“We don’t favor any one political party over the other. Right now our focus continues to be closely monitoring the electoral environment in Bangladesh leading up to January’s election, engaging appropriately with the government, with opposition leaders, with civil society and other stakeholders to urge them to work together for the benefit of the Bangladeshi people,” Patel said.
Responding to a question, the principal deputy spokesperson for the US Department of State said, they have an “incredibly talented” team at the embassy in Dhaka, led by an experienced ambassador who is well-versed not just working in Bangladesh, but also the broader region.
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In a separate briefing at the UN headquarters on November 6, Spokesman for the UN Secretary-General, Stephane Dujarric, said that they hope for a “fair and free” election, free of violence, in Bangladesh.
“And as we said, we’ve expressed our concern about the large number of people who’ve been arrested,” he said while responding to a question.
Read: EU concerned over opposition arrests, urges all sides to reject violence
“Well, I can’t speak to why, I mean, I don’t have the details. I can’t speak to why one party did not attend the dialogue,” said the UN chief's spokesman when a journalist mentioned that the Election Commission is holding dialogues with the main political parties to meet the demands of a fair election in Bangladesh, but BNP did not attend the dialogue held on November 4.
Bus carrying passengers set on fire in Dhaka’s Gulistan
A bus of ‘Bikalpa Auto Service’ was set on fire by miscreants in Dhaka’s Gulistan area today (November 06, 2023), during the second day of the ongoing 48-hour countrywide blockade called by the BNP, Jamaat and like-minded opposition parties.
Fire Service sources said that miscreants set the bus on fire at 2:05 pm in front of Bangabandhu Square Hall Market, and immediately fled the scene.
On information, two firefighting units rushed to the spot and extinguished the blaze with the help of bystanders and locals.
According to sources at Fire Service headquarters, a total of 18 arson incidents were reported across the country from 4 am on Sunday to 10 am today.
48-hour blockade: Two buses set ablaze in Gazipur
Of these, 10 arson attacks were reported in Dhaka city, said Talha Bin Jasim, station officer of Fire Service and Civil Defense media cell.
Bus torched in Khulna’s Rupsha
Two crude bombs recovered from DU Arts building
Police recovered two crude bombs from a toilet of Dhaka University's Arts Faculty building on Monday (November 06, 2023) morning.
A bomb disposal unit of police recovered those from the toilet of 1106 No classroom of Arts building around 10.40 am.
Read: 48-hour blockade: Two buses set ablaze in Gazipur
Md. Ali Hossen, gateman of the Arts Building, said he noticed those two bomb-like objects around 10 am and immediately informed it to the proctor office.
Assistant proctor Prof Hasan Faruk confirmed the matter.
Crude bombs hurled at police vehicle in Dhaka's Uttara, JCD activist arrested
Police arrested a Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) activist after two crude bombs were thrown at a police vehicle at the House Building area of Dhaka’s Uttara on Sunday morning (November 05, 2023).
The arrestee was identified as GM Hasan, also former vice president of JCD's Gazipur city unit.
Read: 11 BNP leaders-activists arrested in Narail
The incident took place in front of Pubali Bank in Uttara’s House Building area at around 7:30am.
Confirming the incident, Inspector (Operations) Partha Pratim Brahmachari of Uttara West Police Station, said miscreants threw two crude bombs targeting a police vehicle which was deployed in the area to tackle any untoward situation.
One of the crude bombs exploded upon impact.
Later, the law enforcers chased and arrested JCD activist involved in the attack, said Inspector Partha.
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The unexploded crude bomb was recovered from the spot, he added.
Picketing and arson violence were reported across the capital since this morning amid the road, rail and waterways blockade for 48 hours called by BNP, Jamaat and like-minded opposition parties across the country.
Passenger suffers burn injuries as bus set on fire in Dhaka’s Khilgaon
A passenger suffered burn injuries after miscreants set a bus on fire at Meradia area of Dhaka’s Khilgaon.
The injured was identified as Md Sabuj, 30, a resident of Merul Badda. He was admitted to Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery with critical burn injuries.
The arson attack took place around 7:30am at Bashpattali area of Meradia this morning (November 05, 2023).
Sabuj’s wife Rushda said that her husband is a transport worker. He is a driver of a ‘Ramjan Paribahan’ bus. His bus was parked on the side of the road in Meradia area.
Read more: 48hr blockade: 27 BGB platoons deployed in Dhaka, adjoining districts
He left home in the morning to go to work and boarded a bus of ‘Acchim Paribahan’. When he was about to get off the bus in Meradia area, it was set on fire, his wife said.
Later, Sabuj was taken to the Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery with serious burn injuries.
Tariqul Islam, a resident doctor at the burn institute, said Sabuj suffered 28 percent burn injuries and his respiratory tract were damaged.
Inspector Md Bachchu Mia, in-charge of DMCH police outpost, confirmed the incident.
Rozina Akter, duty officer of Fire Service and Civil Defence Headquarters, said the fire was doused by locals before fire service units reached the spot.
Read more: As Agargaon-Motijheel part starts operation, Dhaka Metro Rail crowded with commuters during 48hr blockade
Day 3 of blockade: 4 vehicles burnt in Dhaka, Narayanganj so far
Miscreants set four vehicles on fire in different parts of Dhaka city and Rupganj upazila of Narayanganj today (November 02, 2023), on the last day of the three-day blockade enforced by BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami and their allies.
Witnesses said, miscreants set a bus of ‘Poristhan Paribahan’ on fire in Uttara’s Azampur area in Dhaka at 7:04 am.
Meanwhile, a group of miscreants set a private car on fire in Dhaka Education Board area at 4:45 am.
Minibus carrying guests to wedding ceremony set on fire in Ctg
A bus of ‘Moumita Paribahan’ was set on fire at 4:41 am in front of Mohammadpur Beribadh Dhaka Uddyan Housing Project.
Miscreants also set a cotton-carrying truck on fire at 6:40 am at Kanchan Road in Rupganj upazila of Narayanganj district.
The second day of the three-day blockade was marked by clashes, vandalism and torching of vehicles in Dhaka and elsewhere on Wednesday.
7 incidents of arson occur Tuesday: Fire Service
Law enforcers detained more than 100 leaders and activists of BNP and other opposition parties across the country on the second day of the road, rail and waterways blockade.
3-day blockade: 16 arson attacks till this morning, says Fire Service
Police will ensure that people can move about freely: IGP
Those who were involved in violence and arson attacks across Bangladesh prior to and during the hartal and blockade enforced by BNP-Jamaat will be arrested after investigating each incident, and legal action will be taken, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun said on Wednesday (November 01, 2023).
Claiming that a quarter with vested interests is involved in attempts to destabilise the country, the police chief said, “If anyone enforces any programme, people have the right to observe it. But people should also be able to commute on the road freely; it’s their right. So, we are going to take measures to ensure that people can move about freely,” he said.
The IGP came up with the remarks while talking to reporters after visiting policemen injured during the BNP-police clashes on October 28, at Dhaka Medical College and Hospital.
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He also said that there was no lack of security measures during BNP's October 28 rally.
“We were able to bring the situation under control. Without any provocation, picketers set a bus on fire and carried out attack on another bus. They intentionally attacked people,” he said.
Police Constable Amirul Islam was killed in a brutal attack, allegedly by BNP activists, while on duty during the deadly violence at Naya Paltan and nearby areas on October 28.
Besides, 41 policemen were injured in clashes between law enforcers and BNP-Jamaat men in Dhaka’s Motijheel, Kakrail and Naya Paltan areas on that day.
Won't allow any attempt at sabotage or to stoke violence from BNP’s Oct 28 rally: IGP
Dhaka Metropolitan Police's Deputy Commissioner (Media) Faruk Hossain said that 22 injured policemen are undergoing treatment at Rajarbagh Police Hospital and 19 at Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
When asked about the arrest of Mian Zahidul Islam Arefy, who identified himself as an “advisor to US President Joe Biden” and spoke to media at the BNP central office and Lt Gen (Retd) Chowdhury Hasan Sarwardy who brought Arefy to the BNP office, the police chief said, “We don't want to disclose anything yet for the sake of investigation.”
Detectives arrested Sarwardy from Savar on Tuesday (October 31, 2023). Arefy was detained at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka on Sunday.
On Monday, Mian Zahidul Islam Arefy, who claimed to be an “adviser to US President Joe Biden,” at the DB office said that “Lt General (retired) Chowdhury Hasan Sarwardi brought me to the BNP party office at 3 pm to discuss their programme. They requested me to deliver a speech.”
Read more: Bus set on fire in Dhaka’s Kafrul