Bus Fare Hike
Protesters clash with cops, 25 hurt
At least 25 persons including five policemen were injured yesterday when demonstrators clashed with law enforcers in Narayanganj after police obstructed a procession brought out against recent bus fare hike.
Beginning at noon, the procession continued for half an hour until police dispersed the demonstrators.
Police said activists of Jatri Odhikar Sangrakkhan Forum held a rally in front of Shaheed Minar at Chashara protesting the recent hike of bus fare and demanded BRTC non-AC buses on the Dhaka-Narayanganj route.
They also brought out the procession but police obstructed it.
Incensed, protesters hurled brickbats at the law enforcers prompting them to charge batons and use tear gas to disperse the demonstrators. The clash left 20 people injured.
Five policemen including Tobarak Ali, sub-inspector of Chashara police outpost, suffered minor injuries.
Later, the forum leaders submitted a memorandum to the deputy commissioner's office on their demands.
Rafiur Rabbi, convener of the forum, alleged that police charged batons on their peaceful programme.
Manjur Kader, officer-in-charge of Narayanganj Model Police Station, confirmed that police resisted the procession.
“We received instructions from higher authorities to obstruct the forum members if they tried to besiege the DC office,” the OC said.
The forum had earlier announced it would besiege the DC office to realise their demands.
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