Activists clash with police in Ctg while attempting graffiti

A scuffle broke out between police and activists under the banner of “July Warriors” in Chattogram today (18 May) after the latter attempted to paint graffiti in defiance of a ban imposed by Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP).

The incident took place around 1pm in the city’s Tiger Pass area. According to eyewitnesses and videos circulated on social media, police initially asked the activists to leave the area. An argument broke out between the two sides, which eventually escalated into a physical altercation. Although tensions briefly intensified at the scene, police later brought the situation under control.

CMP Deputy Commissioner (North) Amirul Islam said a ban had already been imposed in the area. “They can paint anywhere else they want, but there was a restriction here, so we removed them. Those who posed a threat to law and order were taken into police custody in the interest of maintaining public order. After the situation normalised, we called their guardians and released them,” he said.

Earlier, CMP had banned all rallies, gatherings, processions and meetings from GEC intersection to Dewanhat and surrounding areas following parallel programmes announced by the activists and BNP over the graffiti issue.

Controversy began on Sunday after videos spread on social media showing white and yellow paint being applied over July Uprising-related artwork on pillars of the Wasim Akram flyover. NCP alleged that authorities were trying to erase symbols of the uprising. However, the city corporation denied removing any graffiti, claiming only posters had been cleared.

In a public notice issued yesterday, CMP said the restriction would remain in force until further notice. The notice, signed by CMP Commissioner Hasan Md Shawkat Ali, said the decision was taken to maintain public safety and normal law and order. Authorities also warned of legal action against anyone violating the directive.

The dispute centred on plans to draw graffiti near the Chattogram City Corporation’s Tiger Pass office. The mayor’s media cell announced a graffiti programme from Tiger Pass to Lalkhan Bazar Road on Sunday midnight. At the same time, activists and students under the banner of “July Warriors” announced a separate graffiti campaign at the same location.

Later that night, activists held protests and resumed graffiti painting in front of the city corporation office. BNP activists also gathered there, creating a face-off between the two sides and raising tensions across the area before police intervened to restore order