Protests against the High Court’s ruling to ban battery-operated auto-rickshaws have descended into chaos, with demonstrators blocking roads, attacking law enforcement personnel, and vandalising property.
The unrest has left residents from all walks of life in distress, with many forced to walk to their destinations due to the paralysed traffic system.
On Thursday (21 November), areas including Malibagh Flyover, Rampura Bridge, Mohakhali, Agargaon, and Mohammadpur witnessed a complete standstill as aggrieved auto-rickshaw drivers staged blockades at major intersections.
Pedestrians expressed their frustration, stating that the disruption had severely impacted their daily lives. Many demanded an end to such demonstrations, citing the unrelenting hardship caused by the protests.
The situation turned violent around 11:40am when a contingent of the army attempted to disperse protesters near Mohakhali.
Demonstrators retaliated by pelting bricks and stones, including rocks from railway tracks, at the army and police forces.
Initially, the army managed to push the protesters back through a forceful chase.
However, within minutes, the protesters regrouped and launched a surprise assault from the railway tracks near Tejgaon.
Intensity of the attack forced the law enforcement officers to retreat, with protesters pursuing them as far as the Rawa Complex.
During the chaos, the protesters wielded rods and sticks, vandalising parts of the SKS Tower.
The unrest underscores the growing tension over the court’s decision, which many drivers see as a threat to their livelihoods.
Dhaka remains on edge as authorities work to restore order, with widespread calls for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
