Phone set traders clash with cops in capital

Cell phone set traders clashed repeatedly with police in the capital's Karwan Bazar area on Sunday, turning the busy commercial hub into a virtual battlefield.

The clashes erupted after protesters blocked the Karwan Bazar road, demanding the withdrawal of the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) system and the release of traders arrested in connection with the attack on the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) building.

When police attempted to clear the road, chases and counter-chases broke out, leading to violent confrontations between the two sides. Protesters hurled bricks and stones at police, prompting law enforcers to respond with baton charges to disperse the crowd.

Police also reportedly fired tear gas shells and sound grenades and used water cannons to bring the situation under control. The clashes continued from around 11:30am to 12:15pm. Traders were seen throwing bricks at members of law enforcement agencies during the confrontations.

Earlier, at around 11:00am, the traders' organisation, Mobile Business Community Bangladesh (MBCB), brought out a procession from Bangla Motor and moved to block the Karwan Bazar intersection, pressing several demands, including opposition to the NEIR system and the release of those arrested over the vandalism at the BTRC building.