Awami League activists burn tyres on Karnaphuli road in support of blockade

Activists of the banned Awami League and its affiliated organisations staged a protest by burning tyres on a regional road in Karnaphuli, Chattogram, in support of a blockade today (10 November).

The incident took place around 6am in Koigram area of Barouthan Union in the upazila. The protesters chanted various party slogans, demanding the return of Sheikh Hasina to Bangladesh.

A video of the protest circulating on social media shows the incident. Local residents said the footage was recorded in Koigram area of Karnaphuli.

Around 15-20 people can be seen in the video, including former Chattogram South District Chhatra League General Secretary Abu Taher, Karnaphuli Upazila Chhatra League Convener Sajjad Hossain Sajid and Anwara Upazila Chhatra League leader Asif. They are reportedly residents of Karnaphuli and Anwara upazilas.

The video shows several activists holding banners on the road, while some of them set tyres on fire. They can also be heard chanting slogans demanding Hasina’s return, along with “Education, Peace, Progress” and “Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu”.

Karnaphuli Police Station Officer-in-Charge Nur Ahmed told TBS that police went to the scene after receiving reports of tyre burning in the morning.

“Two burnt tyres were found there, but no one was present. We suspect those involved had left after setting the tyres on fire,” he said.

He added that nearby shops were also closed at the time. Police were told that a few young men had been seen arriving from the Patiya direction near a local shop, but could not confirm whether a procession had taken place.

The OC said no further untoward incident had occurred in his jurisdiction and traffic movement remained normal.

He added that, alongside regular police activities, precautionary measures had been taken in the area, similar to those in other important parts of the city.