At least 20 people, including cleaning workers, were injured and three municipal vehicles were set on fire during clashes between traders and municipal staff during an eviction drive in the Notun Bazar area of Bhola town on Saturday afternoon.

Among the injured, six were admitted to hospital for treatment, authorities said.

According to eyewitnesses, around 4:45pm, municipal workers began removing illegal shops adjacent to the Muktijoddha Sangsad Bhaban in Notun Bazar Chattar and loading confiscated goods onto vehicles. Enraged traders attempted to stop the eviction, leading to a violent clash.

Ansar VDP member and municipal worker Abul Kalam Azad alleged that at least 20 workers were injured after being attacked by the traders.

He said the attackers later set fire to three municipal vehicles. Witnesses said the group prevented anyone from approaching the burning vehicles.

Locals and firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control after about half an hour, but by then the vehicles had been extensively damaged.

Bhola Municipality Administrator Md. Mizanur Rahman said angry traders torched three cars during the eviction drive to clear illegal structures in the new market area.

“Work is underway to assess the extent of the damage. A case will be filed against those responsible, and the eviction drive will continue,” he added.

Deputy Commissioner Md. Azad Jahan visited the scene and assured that an investigation would be conducted. Additional police personnel have since been deployed in the area, and the situation is now under control.

Abu Shahadat Md. Hasnain Parvez, officer-in-charge (OC) of Bhola Model Police Station, said police had not been informed in advance about the eviction drive. “Action will be taken after an investigation,” he said.

Statements from the traders involved were not immediately available.