A scuffle broke out on Monday between police and Jatiya Nagorik Party (NCP) activists at Chattogram city over redrawing a graffiti commemorating the July mass uprising.
The incident occurred around 1:00 PM at Tigerpass intersection. To bring the situation under control, police briefly detained three NCP activists but released them shortly afterward.
Tensions had been simmering in the area since Sunday night after a previous graffiti commemorating the July mass uprising had been erased.
The issue sparked heated face-offs and counter-slogans between local NCP and BNP activists, prompting a heavy deployment of police personnel in Tigerpass, Lalkhan Bazar and surrounding areas since Monday morning.
According to eyewitnesses, the confrontation began when a group of NCP workers attempted to paint new graffiti at the intersection and police intervened. A heated argument quickly escalated into a physical altercation.
NCP activists present at the scene condemned the police action, alleging that attempts are being made to suppress the spirit of the July uprising.
They argued that the graffiti represents the memories of the movement, youth protests and sacrifices and erasing or blocking them hurts public sentiment.
Earlier on Monday, a public notice signed by CMP Commissioner Hasan Md. Shawkat Ali imposed a strict ban on all rallies, processions, and meetings from the GEC intersection to the Dewanhat Flyover.
Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) Deputy Commissioner (North) Amirul Islam confirmed the incident and said three individuals were taken into police custody to prevent the law and order situation from deteriorating.
They were later released, the official stated adding that police remain on high alert to maintain public safety and peace.
TZ
