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A violent confrontation and arson have broken out during an eviction drive targeting illegal structures at New Market in Bhola city, leaving 15 municipal sanitation workers injured.
During the clash on Saturday afternoon, three of the town council’s garbage and transport vehicles were set on fire during the clash.
The incident occurred around 4:45pm, when eviction teams were removing illegal shops near the Muktijoddha Sangsad building.
Locals said the business owners resisted, leading to heated arguments that escalated into physical conflict.
Abul Kalam Azad, a municipal worker and member of Ansar VDP, said: “We were attacked and beaten, and three trucks were set on fire. Protesters prevented anyone from approaching the burning vehicles.”
Fire Service teams arrived about 30 minutes later, bringing the blaze under control, but the trucks’ bodies and engines were extensively damaged by then.
Bhola Municipal Administrator Md Mizanur Rahman told journalists, “The perpetrators set fire to three vehicles. Assessment of losses is under way.”
He confirmed that legal action will be taken against those responsible, and the eviction drive will continue.
District officials, including Deputy Commissioner Azad Jahan, visited the site and assured an investigation.
Police have been deployed to maintain order. Bhola Model Police Station chief Abu Shahadat Md Hasnain Parvez added that while police were not requested in advance, action will be taken against those found responsible.