Locals clash with ‘rescuers’

Agitated local residents on Friday attacked ‘rescue workers’ engaged in clearing debris at the site of the collapsed Rana Plaza at Savar alleging laxity in rescue works.

At least 30 people were injured in the assault.

Relatives and locals scuffled with Bangladesh Army, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), policemen and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), witnesses said.

Angry people at around 10:30am chased the rescue team accusing it of not putting enough efforts, witness Abu Bakar told bdnews24.com. “They tried to damage a bulldozer stationed there for rescue work.”

“On seeing body parts of several victims under the debris of the building, relatives and onlookers insisted that those bodies should be brought out immediately.”

“At one point, the people started pelting bricks at the rescue workers. Police charged batons and tried to move the angry locals, relatives away. When it did not work it fired rubber bullets and lobbed teargas shells.”

Police Inspector Abdul Aziz – at scene - told bdnews24.com, “The public suddenly attacked us. Later we dispersed them.”