Political violence in Dhaka damages 64 buses in 14 days
Says DMP as it awards individuals for helping detain 'arsonists'
FE REPORT | Saturday, 11 November 2023
At least 64 buses were either set ablaze or vandalised from October 28 to November 10 in the capital amid political rallies, blockades and strikes by the BNP, according to the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP).
"Three phases of blockades and one-day strike since October 28 had disrupted public life, with 64 buses either set on fire or vandalised in the capital," Additional Police Commissioner (Crime and Operations) of DMP Dr Kha Mohid Uddin said at a press briefing on Friday.
The event was organised at the DMP media centre for awarding individuals who helped police in detaining "arsonists". Police said they arrested 12 persons allegedly responsible for setting fire to buses during the blockades.
Mohid Uddin said the "arsonists" were arrested from separate places in the capital while they were trying to set fire to buses.
He said the "arsonists" used to set fire to buses either just the day before the blockade or during the blockade.
The additional police commissioner said the miscreants used combustible substances to set the buses on fire. They used to get on board a bus and then left after setting fire to it.
He said the arson attacks so far have claimed one bus helper's life and injured another one.
Police claimed that miscreants were being given assignments from different places to carry out those heinous acts during the blockade.
Lamenting that some unwanted and unacceptable incidents happened in the name of political campaigns, Mohid Uddin said police play a positive role in providing security for any political programme.
"We want to remind everyone that if there is a political programme, then the DMP, on its part, will extend cooperation," said the police official.
But he warned that none will be spared if they try to set fire to buses or are involved in vandalism in the name of a blockade.
He hoped that political programmes in the upcoming days would not turn violent or destructive.
"People are now conscious. They are ready to face the arsonists," said the DMP official.
talhabinhabib@yahoo.com