Clash over setting up stalls on New Market footpath leaves 14 injured

A clash between two groups over setting up makeshift stalls on the footpaths around the capital’s New Market area left at least 14 people injured on Tuesday evening.

The injured were receiving treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), police said.

The incident took place on Tuesday evening, with two groups affiliated with the New Market thana Jubo Dal and Dhaka College Chhatra Dal reportedly involved in the clash.

The injured initially received treatment at Popular Hospital in Dhanmondi before being taken to DMCH later at night.

According to the injured, the conflict began over the collection of extortion money from shops set up on the footpath in front of the Balaka Cinema Hall. They alleged that a group of 40–50 people, including AKM Chanchal, Iftekhar, Shahadat, Sohel, Sumon and Azim, attacked several members of Dhaka College Chhatra Dal.

The attackers allegedly used locally made weapons, including sticks and knives.

After news of the attack reached members of a group led by Dhaka College student Millat Hossain, they went to a lane near Priyangon Market, where another confrontation broke out.

The ensuing clashes led to widespread vandalism, attacks and counter-attacks in the area, creating panic among local residents and pedestrians.

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Those receiving treatment at DMCH included Dhaka College Chhatra Dal Joint Convener Prince Khandaker, Sumon Sikder, Convener Member Sagar Khan, Saimon Islam, members Mushfiqur Rahim, Jihadul Islam, Shakib Hasan and Imran Hossain.

From the Chanchal group in the New Market area, those injured were identified as Zakir, Sumon, Shah Alam, Idris and Rakib.

DMCH police camp Inspector Md Faruk, citing doctors, said 14 people had sought treatment at the hospital by 11pm.

“The number of injured may increase. The injured are receiving treatment in the emergency department,” he said.