Attack and vandalism at Gazipur’s Trade and Cottage Industries Fair

At least 20 visitors to the Trade and Cottage Industries Fair in Shimultali, Gazipur were injured in a stampede. The incident took place at the Army Pharma ground in Shimultali at around 11:30 pm on Saturday (November 22).
Witnesses said that cigarettes were being sold at a higher price than the fixed price inside the fair. Last night, a dispute broke out between a shopkeeper and the fair authorities when a buyer refused to pay the extra price for cigarettes. At one point, the buyer was beaten up. Later, when the news spread, locals organized and attacked the fair. During this time, various establishments including the fair’s shops, lottery pandals, offices were vandalized. At least 20 people were injured while rushing to leave the fair.
Later, on receiving information, members of the law enforcement agencies went to the spot at around 12:30 am and brought the situation under control. Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mehedi Hasan said, “There was a clash between the locals and the fair authorities over a trivial incident. At one point, an attack took place. Upon receiving information, the police went to the spot and brought the situation under control.”