BDR raids city markets, retreats after protests

The BDR aided by police and customs officials eventually had to call it a day in the face of protests by the shop owners.

The traders also pelted stones at the BDR personnel while they were leaving the market, local people said.

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The BDR team also seized Indian sarees and gold ornaments during the drive at Chakbazar, Gausia and Dhanmondi markets.

The raid at the Mouchak market started at about 12:30pm and continued for more than two hours. A huge quantity of Indian sarees and 200 tola of gold ornaments were seized from Apon Jewellers.

Dildar Ahmed, owner of Apon Jewellers and president of Mouchak Market Shop Owners Association, told The Daily Star that only his shop was raided although there are 70 other shops in the market.

BDR sources termed the allegation baseless. They had planned to raid all the shops. But some owners and employees took to the street against the raid. They left the market to avoid any unpleasant situation, said an official of the paramilitary force.