Deadly attack on police stations in Bangladesh: Over dozen policemen killed

New Delhi: In a shocking outbreak of violence, at least 13 policemen, including the officer-in-charge, were killed during a mob attack on the Enayetpur Police Station in Sirajganj, Bangladesh, today. Among the deceased was Officer-in-Charge Abdur Razzak. 

According to Mohammad Hannan Miah, the additional superintendent (crime) of Sirajganj police, the attack began when a crowd attempted to storm the police station, prompting police to respond with gunfire and tear gas. "At one stage, the police officers there believed they were safe. But hundreds of people made a sudden attack on the station," Hannan explained.

The aftermath of the assault left 13 officers dead, including four sub-inspectors, one assistant sub-inspector, and seven constables. The assailants also set fire to the police station. Bodies were found scattered, with eight near a mosque, three in a pond, one in a field, and another hanging from a tree.

Army's intervention

Hannan reported that at least 15 officers are currently hospitalized, with 20 others having received medical treatment. The situation was brought under control with the assistance of the army around 7:00 PM. Local sources noted that the attack was triggered after police dispersed a morning protest using gunfire and teargas, inciting further anger among locals.

Violence across the country

In a related incident, another policeman was killed during an attack on the Eliotganj Highway Police Station in Cumilla. The attackers assaulted officers and set the station on fire, forcing many policemen to seek refuge on the roof. Constable Ershad was identified as the deceased.

Officer-in-Charge Abdul Wadud of the Hatikumrul Highway Police Station reported that firearms were looted during an assault on their station, though the exact number of stolen weapons is unknown. Additional attacks on police facilities were reported nationwide, with firearms and ammunition taken from a vehicle transporting them from Netrakona Police Lines.

Widespread assaults on police establishments

The unprecedented scale of these attacks has shocked police officials. At least 300 officers were injured as 20 police stations, four superintendent offices, two outposts, and a range office were vandalized and torched. Attacks occurred across various locations, including Narayanganj, Bogura, Pabna, and Dhaka, with the Jatrabari and Khilgaon police stations among those targeted.

In Old Dhaka, protesters vandalized police vehicles and torched a police car near Roy Saheb Bazar. In Narail, a police van was set ablaze, with police later dispersing the protesters using teargas and rubber bullets. Additional Superintendent of Police Tarek Al Mehdi stated that five officers were injured by brick chunks but assured that the situation was now under control.

Rising tensions amid national protests

These violent incidents coincide with the first day of a nationwide non-cooperation movement organized by the Anti-discrimination Student Movement. Since July 16, four police officials and an Ansar member have been killed in the ongoing violence. Among the deceased are Inspector Masud Parvez Bhuiyan, Assistant Sub-Inspector Muktadir, Nayek Gias Uddin, and Ansar member Jewel Sheikh. On Friday, Constable Suman Gharami was also beaten to death in Khulna.