Bangladesh is currently experiencing widespread anarchy, with the situation deteriorating across the nation. Today, the state of law and order has reached an alarming low, creating significant challenges for the citizens. Law enforcement agencies are reportedly failing to perform their duties effectively, leading to a breakdown of order, particularly in the capital city, Dhaka.
From morning till night, Dhaka’s residents have faced severe disruptions, with many describing the day as one of chaos and helplessness. According to anonymous sources, including prominent citizens, even law enforcement officials seem overwhelmed by the situation. Intellectuals and city dwellers alike have expressed deep concern, suggesting that the system of law and order appears to have collapsed entirely.
The gravity of the crisis has left many questioning the ability of authorities to restore stability. The events of the day have underscored a critical need for immediate intervention to address the breakdown in governance and ensure the safety and security of all citizens.
Chaos in Old Dhaka: Protests Over Alleged Medical Negligence Turn Violent
Old Dhaka descended into chaos after thousands of protesters, including students, vandalized Dhaka National Medical College and Hospital in Laxmibazar, following the death of an eleventh-grader due to alleged medical negligence.
Protests Turn Violent:
Witnesses and police reported that students from Dr. Mahbubur Rahman Mollah College (DMRMC) and other institutions gathered in front of the hospital around 1 p.m., armed with sticks. Their anger stemmed from the death of a fellow student who had been receiving treatment at the hospital. The protesters ransacked the hospital, leaving at least 20 people injured.
As students from Government Suhrawardy College attempted to intervene, tensions escalated further. The mob vandalized an office room of Suhrawardy College, a private car on the college premises, and Kabi Nazrul Islam College.The unrest caused significant traffic congestion in the surrounding areas of Laxmibazar, severely inconveniencing commuters.
Regarding this incident, Principal Kakoli Mukhopadhyay of Suhrawardy College told us, “We are speechless. Before we could comprehend anything, they attacked us. They vandalized all our rooms.”
She alleged, “I called the police, but they informed us that they lacked adequate forces to take action. I repeatedly requested them to send the army, but there was no response from their side.”
At about 8 PM, students from Government Suhrawardy College attempted to attack ancient St. Gregory School. Army personnels came to save the school. They face to agitated students of Govt. Suhrawardy College. At presence of army they try to attack the school several times. At a point the students argued with army and did mis behaved also.
Additional police forces were deployed to maintain order, and army personnel were seen intervening inside the hospital gates to calm the situation.
Journalists covering the incident also faced harassment. Students, allegedly led by vigilantes from DMRMC, targeted several reporters, damaging their equipment and deleting footage. Zakir Hossain of Daily Ittefaq, Asadul Islam of Amader Barta, and Jannatun Nayem of Bangladesher Khobor were among those harassed. Aman Nabi, a reporter for Daily Kalbela, also faced intimidation.
In retaliation, over 300 students attacked Dr. Mahbubur Rahman Mollah College in Donia, Jatrabari, later in the evening. This led to violent clashes between students from Old Dhaka colleges and DMRMC. Local residents intervened, beating back some of the attackers.
In the incident the law enforcement agencies were seen very helpless. They couldn’t take any action due to unknown reason. In the field they were shown very tolerable forces. It is not common responsibility of law enforcement agencies.
Attack on Prothom Alo:
In a related incident, extremists attacked the offices of Prothom Alo, a leading Bengali newspaper, in the evening. Law enforcement agencies were deployed to protect the daily, leading to repeated clashes between the attackers and police.
Daily star also attack :
In the mean time the country lead English daily newspaper, the daily star was also attacked another group agitated person. Army and police barricade the newspaper.
Battery-run rickshaw pullers stop city:
The series of violent events has left Old Dhaka reeling, with authorities struggling to restore order.
Battery-run rickshaw pullers took to the streets in Agargaon, Mohammadpur, Jatrabari, and Jatiya Press Club areas today, causing significant disruption to traffic.
According to eyewitnesses, rickshaw drivers began gathering in these areas since the morning. Later, they blocked roads and started protesting, leading to heavy traffic congestion, particularly in Mohammadpur’s Tin Rastar Mor area.
Commuters, including office-goers and school and college students, faced considerable difficulties. Police were seen trying to persuade the rickshaw drivers to clear the roads.
Amid protests by battery-run rickshaws and auto-rickshaws drivers, the government has decided to move a petition before the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court seeking stay a High Court order that asked to take steps to stop plying of their vehicles on the Dhaka roads.