DHAKA: Police fought hawkers to hold them back from running makeshifts on the streets and footpaths in downtown Gulistan area of the capital Friday, leaving at least 20 people wounded, including cops.

In an instant reprisal, police picked up 15 people from the scenes of widespread troubles that halted traffic and activities through the city heart.

Witnesses said the angry hawkers went on the rampage and vandalised cop’s car as police started evicting them from the kiosks.

They added as the belligerent street traders kept pelting the cops with brickbats, police retaliated by firing. Around 10 shots were heard. During the rioting, amid chase and counter-chase, 20 people, including five policemen, were injured.

“The hawkers vandalised the car of Paltan thana OC SI Shahidul Haque and also attacked an ASI of Ahad Police box,” says a spot report by a banglanews24.com.bd correspondent.

Later, police reinforcements rushed in and dispersed the rioters, said police sources.

Nazrul Islam, sub-inspector of Paltan Thana, told banglanews24.com.bd that at about 3 pm police patrols tried to clear the road by dismantling shops from the streets, not from the footpaths, but the hawkers started attacking the police.

However, the demonstrators alleged that police attack every now and then for “bribe” and monthly rent for the shops on footpath.

“Where will we go if uprooted from here? We have family members, children--how will we celebrate Eid?” one of the hawkers said on the spot.

BDST 1648 HRS, September 3, 2010