Too many police for thin presence of protesters

Following two days of massive protest over the custodial death of writer Mushtaq Ahmed, police have made huge arrangements in the capital on Monday, to maintain law and order situation and repel fresh violence.

But the reality was in stark contrast to their preparation as fewer protesters took to streets this day. Even, the number of cops has apparently been few times higher than that of the demonstrators.

As a result, the city has finally witnessed a comparatively peaceful demonstration and co-existence of protesters and policemen.  

The protesters were fully surrounded by the police personnel. Photo: Jahidul Islam

In the morning, an increased number of cops took position in Shahbagh area with armoured vehicles and water cannon. But the protesters did not turn to the area.

Around 200 members of the left-leaning student bodies brought out a procession from Raju Memorial Sculpture at 12:15pm and marched towards the secretariat.

But they were obstructed by police after reaching Matsya Bhaban intersection.

Nearly five hundred policemen took position in the secretariat area. Photo: Joynal Abedin Shishir.

The two sides engaged in a scuffle there and the protesters at one stage managed to make their way to the secretariat for holding a besiege programme. They demonstrated there for around 15 minutes and returned to TSC.

In the second phase of the day's movement, dozens of Chhatra Dal activists held a brief rally in the Raju Memorial Sculpture area around 3pm. Their programme ended without any untoward incident.

Apart from the capital city, activists of the left-leaning organisations and Chhatra Dal demonstrated in different parts of the country on the day.