Police Target Beneficiary Syndicate Behind Mirpur Eviction Violence

Police Vehicles Vandalized and Torched During Footpath Eviction Drive in Mirpur

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Administrator Shofiqul Islam Khan alleged that the attack, vandalism, and arson targeting police and city corporation vehicles during an eviction drive at Mirpur 10 were pre-planned by “accomplices of fascism.”

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a senior police officer told Daily Inqilab that while it is too early to identify specific perpetrators, crime analysis suggests such violent disruptions typically benefit specific interest groups. He noted that extortion rings collected money from Mirpur footpaths for 17 years, and the eviction threatens their revenue stream. Consequently, investigators are focusing on bringing these long-standing beneficiaries to justice. The officer added that police are exploring all possible motives, including whether new groups are attempting to replace the old extortion syndicate.

Following Wednesday’s clashes involving hawkers, police, and city staff, Home Affairs Adviser Salahuddin Ahmed attributed the violent unrest to a “lack of coordination” between the police and magistrates during the operation.

Hafizur Rahman, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Mirpur Model Police Station, confirmed that three separate cases were filed naming 400 to 500 unnamed accused each. The cases include arson filed by DNCC, assault on police filed by law enforcement, and a traffic-related case. Kafrul Police Station OC Mohammad Saiful Islam stated that DNCC filed another arson case naming 400 to 500 unknown suspects. Police have detained at least 30 individuals so far, with drives ongoing to arrest the remaining suspects.

The drive began Wednesday around 9:30 AM near Mirpur 10 roundabout under Executive Magistrate Marufa Begum Nely. Clashes erupted after a shop caught fire, prompting angry hawkers to attack DNCC workers. When police intervened, hawkers threw bricks, leading police to fire tear gas shells, injuring several officers. Demonstrators set fire to three DNCC vehicles and damaged a police vehicle. Later that afternoon, DNCC resumed the operation, clearing illegal shops along the footpaths from Mirpur 10 to 13.