Mayor Ivy blames MP Shamim Osman for attack on her

Narayanganj city mayor Selina Hayat Ivy came under an attack in the city on Tuesday afternoon that left 10 people including herself injured.

Ivy and her supporters blamed for the attack the followers of local member of parliament from Awami League Shamim Osman, who had long enmity with her.

Local people said the incident took place over eviction of hawkers from the footpath in Chashara area of Narayanganj, a river port city with long tradition of business.

According to police and witnesses, Ivy, accompanied by her followers, was walking towards Chashara. They were chanting slogan 'We want footpath free from hawkers'.

All of a sudden, brick chips were thrown on the supporters of Ivy from Shamim Plaza. Some attackers fired blank shots. In the brawl that caused pandemonium, Ivy fell on the street and she was hit by brick chips on her leg.

Ivy supporters alleged that the police personnel present on the spot did not take any step.

Asked by journalists about their silence, the police said there was no order to intervene into the situation. The police later at around 5:30pm, threw tear gas shells to disperse the conflicting groups.

"We tried to stop both the groups and ensure security of the people and their properties," police super Moinul Hoque told Prothom Alo.

At a press conference held at Narayanganj Press Club in the evening, Ivy alleged, "Shamim Osman sitting at Rifles Club ordered his supporters to carry out the attack on me. His followers started throwing brick chips after receiving the order. Ten people including journalists were injured."

Selina Hayat Ivy, who is the only woman city mayor in the country, demanded resignation of the deputy commissioner and the superintendent of police in Narayanganj.