8 shot during mobile court drive at Banani

At least eight people were shot and seven others injured during a clash between the businessmen of Banani DNCC market and police during eviction drive today.

The businessmen allege that it was police who opened gunfire. Police did not comment on the firing, but acknowledged that the clash resulted in some people receiving bullet injuries.

A mobile court, led by Dhaka North City Corporation Magistrate Mahbubur Rahman, launched an eviction drive at Banani DNCC Super Market around 11:00am.

The businessmen retaliated upon their arrival.

“I wanted to see a notice of some sort. But they wouldn’t listen, instead he (the magistrate) began harassing me,” said Mahmudul Hasan Azad, general secretary of the businessmen’s association in the market. “Then he ordered the police to shoot.”

The businessmen allege that police fired several gunfire shots inside the market. A scuffle between the two sides eventually led to some more people getting hurt.

Banani police admitted the casualties. Rakib Hossain, a sub-inspector, said bullet-hit Rana, Halim, Mintu, Jamal, Mozammel, Alamgir, Khokon, and Arif were rushed to Kurmitola General Hospital and others to nearby medical centres.

Azad claimed this was one of the stunts “these magistrates put up to carry out extortion.”

The businessmen of the market demanded the injured to be compensated and treated at the expenses of Dhaka North City Corporation.