On Sunday, 4 January, clashes erupted in Dhaka as mobile phone traders attacked police while authorities attempted to clear a road blockade. To restore order, law enforcement resorted to water cannons, sound grenades, and tear gas. Several police personnel were injured during the confrontation, and multiple individuals were detained.
According to Md. Shawkat Ali, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) of Ramna Division, some mobile traders had gathered at Sonargaon Crossing from early morning. By 11:00 am, they had blocked the entire road, causing severe traffic congestion and significant public inconvenience. Police, acting within the bounds of the law, initially attempted to disperse the crowd, and the traders temporarily vacated the area.
However, a section of the traders returned shortly afterward to obstruct the road once again. ADC Shawkat Ali stated that police were compelled to take stricter measures during this second attempt. During the resulting clashes, several officers sustained injuries. Authorities are currently investigating whether those detained are genuine traders or if external troublemakers were involved.
Some protesters later moved into the Basundhara Shopping Complex. Police are probing the identities of those present and whether anyone attempted to create further unrest inside the complex.
Meanwhile, Md. Ibn-e-Mizan, Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Tejgaon Division, reported that demonstrators also occupied roads around Sonargaon Mor. Repeated appeals to disperse were ignored, prompting police to use water cannons to break up the crowd. After scattering, the group suddenly launched an unprovoked attack on police stationed at Sonargaon Mor. In response, officers deployed sound grenades and tear gas, forcing protesters to flee through nearby lanes. Among the injured were several officers, including an Additional Deputy Commissioner.
DC Ibn-e-Mizan added that the protesters did not submit any direct demands to the police. They were expected to approach the relevant authorities, but appeared to block roads to pressure the government and disrupt public life. Police continue to maintain a vigilant presence in the area.
The unrest coincides with the government’s 1 January rollout of the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR), designed to curb the use of illegal and unregistered mobile phones. Under this system, the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers of all phones connected to mobile networks are now recorded in a national database. Traders have long voiced opposition to this initiative, citing potential impacts on business.
Incident Summary:
| Date & Time | Location | Incident | Police Action | Injuries & Detentions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Jan, 11:00 am | Sonargaon Crossing | Road blockade by mobile traders | Dispersal, crowd temporarily vacates | None initially |
| 4 Jan, Noon | Sonargaon Crossing | Protesters return, attack police | Water cannon, sound grenades, tear gas | Multiple officers injured, several detainees |
| 4 Jan, Afternoon | Basundhara Shopping Complex | Traders enter complex | Investigation ongoing | None reported yet |
The situation remains under control, but authorities are keeping a close watch to prevent further disturbances.