Protesters gathered at New Market intersection in Chittagong from the early hours on Sunday, demanding the implementation of a single-point demand. Activists from Chhatra League and Jubo League attacked the demonstrators from the Sadarghat area, firing shots and detonating explosives. The situation escalated, prompting the police to disperse the crowd with tear gas shells, resulting in several injuries.
The protest began around 10:30 AM at New Market intersection under Kotwali Police Station. Demonstrators chanted various slogans from their rally. By 11:30 AM, the protesters clashed with the police, who responded with tear gas and shells to disperse them.
Chittagong Metropolitan Police (CMP) Commissioner Md. Saiful Islam stated, “Barriers will be placed between the two sides to prevent any untoward incidents. Two thousand police officers have been deployed in the city, along with local police forces.”
Following directives from the central Awami League, the Chittagong Metropolitan Awami League planned a mass gathering at New Market at 1 PM. Previously, on Saturday, students held a rally at the same location, which saw a large turnout from various walks of life. However, tensions rose in the evening following attacks on the political office of Chittagong-10 MP Mohiuddin Bachchu, the residence of Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel, and the home of City Corporation Mayor Rezaul Karim Chowdhury. Later that night, attacks were also carried out on the homes of BNP National Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury and at least four other BNP leaders.
The situation became particularly heated after the attack on Mayor Rezaul’s residence, leading to clashes between the police, Chhatra League, and protesters. One person, Md. Shahid, was killed, and several others were injured by gunfire.
Leading up to Sunday’s events, both Awami League supporters and students exchanged posts on social media throughout the night. Both sides declared their intention to maintain control over the New Market intersection on Sunday.
