At least four policemen were killed and 1,117 others injured in clashes between law enforcers and protesters in different parts of the country.
Even though the government was considering meeting the protesters’ demands, miscreants had taken position in different areas of the country since July 18 and clashed with police.
The violence erupted after agitating students announced a countrywide ‘complete shutdown’ programme on July 18. Later, the government imposed a countrywide curfew in a bid to defuse the situation.
But clashes and chase and counter-chase occurred between protesters, police and ruling party activists in the capital and other parts of the country.
A good number of police officers injured in attacks by miscreants are currently receiving treatment at Central Police Hospital in the capital. Visit to the hospital provided new insights into chaos.
Sherpur Sadar OC injured in attack
Officer-in-Charge of Sherpur Sadar Police Station Md. Emdadul Haque was severely injured while attempting to protect his colleagues. A day before the conflict, he had travelled to Dhaka for his appearance in the court but returned to his workplace due to the escalating violence.
According to OC Emdadul Haque, miscreants took position in Nandi Bazar area on Sherpur-Jamalpur highway. Upon receiving news, he with his team arrived at the scene and tried to talk with the people present, who immediately launched an attack. Finding no other option, they retreated and attempted to control the situation by firing teargas. "We fired tear gas and rubber
bullets to bring the situation under control and ensure public safety. Since it was a remote area, they managed to surround us again," he said. "I wanted to evacuate my forces safely. One vehicle left the scene, but I decided not to leave until everyone was safe."
While retreating, he was struck from behind on his right leg and his bone was broken instantly. The assailants then attacked him, pushing his front teeth into his gums and cutting his scalp, which required several stitches.
Gouripur OC sustains injuries
Gouripur road in Cumilla is an important route for traffic to and from Dhaka. During the curfew On July 18, miscreants blocked Gouripur highway by felling trees.
When two patrol teams came to know the situation, they disembarked to clear the blockade, only to be ambushed by attackers.
Gouripur Police Station OC Suman Chandra Roy is currently receiving treatment at Central Police Hospital for severe injuries.
“We were caught off guard by the sudden attack. Before we could understand anything, they hit us with sticks and sharp objects, breaking my right arm. When I fell to the ground, they continued to assault me, injuring my left leg and other parts of my body,” he added.
In response to whether he or his patrol team recognized their attackers or if they were students, he asserted that none of the attackers was students.
On Thursday, Bangladesh Jatiya Sangsad (JS) Speaker Dr. Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, along with Deputy Speaker Shamsul Haque Tuku and Whip Nazrul Islam Babu, visited the Central Police Hospital to enquire about the health condition of the injured officers.
During the visit, Speaker Dr. Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury talked to the injured police officials and wished them speedy recovery.
According to the information of Police Headquarters, till July 24, 1,117 policemen were injured in the attacks by the miscreants across the country including the capital while 32 of them were severely injured. Three policemen also died. On Friday, another policeman was killed during a clash in Khulna.
