Police Action to Disperse Protesters in Dhaka
Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has defended its actions during a recent incident involving a gathering of government primary school assistant teachers at Shahbagh. The police stated that the measures taken were essential to ensure public safety and protect key state establishments.
In a statement released on Saturday afternoon, the DMP explained that the teachers initially gathered at the Central Shaheed Minar to voice their demands. Later, they moved to an area near the Shahbagh Police Station around 3:00 pm.
According to the official statement, by 4:00 pm, some protesters managed to break through police barricades and attempted to march toward the state guesthouse Jamuna. This location is known for having strict restrictions on assemblies, rallies, and gatherings.
As the police intervened, some protesters reportedly threw brick chips, resulting in injuries to several law enforcers. In response, the police deployed sound grenades and water cannons to disperse the crowd and restore order.
The DMP emphasized that the area surrounding the Chief Adviser’s official residence, Jamuna, is under a strict ban on public gatherings. They described the protesters’ attempt to approach the restricted zone as a direct challenge to existing regulations, which necessitated what they termed “necessary police measures.”
Key Points from the Statement
- The protest began at the Central Shaheed Minar, where the teachers were expressing their demands.
- The group later moved to an area near the Shahbagh Police Station.
- Around 4:00 pm, some protesters broke through police lines and tried to reach the Jamuna state guesthouse.
- The movement towards the restricted area led to a confrontation with the police.
- Some protesters threw brick chips, causing injuries to law enforcement officers.
- To manage the situation, the police used sound grenades and water cannons.
- The DMP reiterated that the area around the Chief Adviser’s residence is off-limits to public gatherings.
Call for Public Cooperation
The DMP urged citizens to support law enforcement efforts and comply with the current restrictions. They emphasized the importance of maintaining public safety, law and order, and protecting vital state installations. The statement served as a reminder of the need for collective responsibility in upholding security and stability in the region.