AL groups clash in Azimpur, torch vehicles

Two groups of the ruling Awami League clashed in Dhaka’s Azimpur today, resulting in arson and vandalism along with an hour-long chaos in the area.

At least three motorcycles were torched near Azimpur bus stand and several others vandalised over a programme scheduled at a convention centre there.

Three motorcycles are torched near Azimpur bus stand and several others vandalised during clash between two groups of the ruling Awami League at Azimpur area in Dhaka on November 16, 2017. Photo: Rafiul Islam

Witnesses say, a programme of the Dhaka city Awami League was scheduled at Pearl Harbour Community Centre today to herald the UN recognition of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s March 7 speech.

This morning, the organisers found loads of trash dumped on the gates of the community centre, for which they held a section responsible and declared them unwanted.

Loads of trash dumped in front of Pearl Harbour Community Centre at Azimpur in Dhaka where a programme of the Dhaka city Awami League was scheduled on November 16, 2017. Photo: Rafiul Islam

Witnesses say, the clash began around 10:30am when the “unwanted group” tried to enter from Palasi. Brickbats were hurled at each other and a chase and counter-chase were on.

Police lobbed several tear gas shells to disperse the clash. At one point, at least three motorcycles were set on fire and several others vandalised near Eden College.

Md Ibrahim Khan, deputy commissioner of Lalbagh chapter of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, said forces have been dispatched to the location to take control of the situation.

Vehicular movement on the Mirpur Road, Azimpur road, Palasi and adjacent areas have been disrupted due to the violence.