Stores in Dhaka's New Market area have begun lifting their shutters after a day and a half of closure due to violent clashes between shopkeepers and Dhaka College students.
But store owners called for a thorough investigation into the conflict that turned New Market and its surrounding areas into a battleground for most of Tuesday, reports bdnews24.com.
Speaking at a media briefing on Wednesday, Helal Uddin, president of the Bangladesh Shop Owners' Association, said, "We want a proper investigation and punishment for the culprits. There has been a lot of damage but we want to reopen the shops now."
After the press conference, some shops at Gausia, Balaka Bhaban and Chandni Chawk began reopening at 3 pm.
DHAKA COLLEGE STUDENTS DEMAND JUSTICE
It came against the backdrop of Dhaka College students' warning that they would resume protests if the shops in New Market started reopening before all sides involved in the clashes reached a compromise.
They demanded that those who attacked students and fired tear gas shells and rubber bullets on the college premises over the past two days be brought to justice.
At least 50 people were injured in the clashes that erupted around midnight on Monday and continued until Tuesday. One of them later succumbed to their injuries in hospital.
Normal traffic resumed in the area on Wednesday but tensions ran high on the Dhaka College campus.
The college authorities called an emergency meeting over the issue earlier in the day.
“Our next steps will depend on the [outcome of the teachers'] meeting. Teachers have been in the meeting room since the morning and we’re awaiting a decision,” said Leon Sarkar, a student.
Students will embark on large-scale protests if New Market reopens before a resolution is reached, he warned.
Another student, Tamim Hasan, raised questions about the role of the police during the clashes. “Police supported the shopkeepers and attacked us. We want justice,” he said.
