Calm returns to Ctg after tensions over erasing July Uprising graffiti

After two days
of political tension in Chattogram over allegations of removing graffiti linked
to the July Uprising, the Tigerpass area and its surroundings appeared calm
this morning (19 May).
The tensions involved activists and leaders from
the National Citizen Party (NCP), BNP, Islami Chhatra Shibir and Gono Odhikar
Parishad, who took part in separate graffiti campaigns in the area on Monday
evening.
A visit to the area around 11:30am found no
major political gatherings or activities, unlike the previous two days, which
were marked by protests, police restrictions and scuffles.
Graffiti painted overnight could be seen on the pillars of the Shaheed Wasim
Akram Expressway and walls along the roads. However, no activists or political
groups were seen painting new graffiti in the area. The presence of law
enforcement members was also very limited.
Political tensions spread across the city from
Sunday after allegations emerged that graffiti linked to the July Uprising was
being removed.
The National Citizen Party (NCP) alleged that
efforts were being made to erase the uprising's memories and announced a
graffiti campaign in protest.
NCP Chattogram city unit publicity secretary
Riduan Hridoy told The Business Standard that the graffiti campaign linked to
the July Uprising would continue across the city.
Last morning, Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) banned rallies, gatherings
and processions from GEC intersection to Dewanhat. Later, police stopped
students and activists from painting graffiti in the Tigerpass area, leading to
scuffles.
Allegations of misconduct involving a group of female students also sparked
widespread discussion and criticism on social media. Amid strong criticism,
police withdrew the restrictions within 12 hours.
















