Police disperse ex-BDR personnel protest, take several into custody

The former members of the Bangladesh Rifles (now the BGB) had been on the way to lay siege to the State Guest House Jamuna, the chief advisor’s official residence

A protest by dismissed former members of the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) that attempted to surround the State Guest House Jamuna, the official residence of the chief advisor, to push for a three-point list of demands has been blocked and dispersed by police. Law enforcers took several protesters into custody

The incident occurred shortly after noon on Monday, with the police using sound grenades and water cannons to control the situation.

After the mass uprising, ex-BDR members who were “subjected to conspiracy”, dismissed and victimised in 2009 following the Pilkhana massacre, were released from jail. They and their families have held protests to demand justice, the restoration of their dues, and steps taken to ensure their welfare for several days.

On Monday morning, they took up positions at the Shahbagh intersection and held a demonstration. Police surrounded them, but the protesters broke through and began to march towards Jamuna. They then proceeded through the Matsya Bhaban area and took up positions around Kakrail Mosque.

Police say they made repeated requests to the protesters to clear the road as their blockade was leading to congestion. The law enforcers say they were forced to use sound grenades and water cannons in order to remove them from the road and restore regular traffic.

Ramna Division Deputy Commissioner Masud Alam said, “The situation is now under control. They have left on their own. Traffic is back to normal. We have taken 13 into custody so far. We will scrutinise them before making any more decisions.”