A top Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) official says the attack on law enforcers by BNP activists on Wednesday (Nov 14) was “entirely unprovoked”.

“Thousands of BNP activists blocked the road in front of the party offices at Naya Paltan. When the police requested them to leave, they were attacked,” Additional Commissioner Monirul Islam told Bangla Tribune.

Urging BNP supporters to carry out their activities in a peaceful manner, he said, “The law enforcers should not be considered as an opponent.”

Earlier the day, a clash broke out between BNP activists and law enforcers, when several police vehicles were vandalised and set on fire.

Police fired tear-shells and charged batons to disperse the BNP supporters.

“BNP nomination form sales have been peaceful in the past couple of days. Some 8 to 10 policemen were on duty. They repeatedly urged BNP supporters not to block the roads for the sake of traffic,” said the senior DMP officer.

As many 13 policemen have been injured in the clash, he added.