Tensions have risen in the capital’s Sadarghat during a drive to demolish illegal establishments on government property.
The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) began an eviction drive on Sunday on the banks of the Buringanga River.
As soon as the authorities started to bulldoze a mosque, protests by locals erupted.
The BIWTA had to stop after demolishing part of the mosque as a ruckus broke out in the area.
According to locals, the authorities drive ‘specifically’ targeted the mosque.
“There are several other illegal establishments around the mosque, but the BIWTA did not demolish those,” local resident Fuad Hossain said while speaking to Bangla Tribune.
Additional police forces have been deployed in the wake of the commotion.
“There has been some trouble over the BIWTA eviction drive. We are trying to negotiate between the BIWTA and locals. The drive has been halted for now,” said Assistant Police Commissioner Badrul Islam of the local police.