A routine footpath eviction drive in the Mirpur-10 area of the capital descended into violence on Wednesday morning, leaving City Corporation vehicles vandalized and set on fire amid clashes with hawkers.

The incident took place around 10:30 a.m. near Hope Market, where City Corporation officials launched an operation to remove illegal roadside shops.

According to hawkers, tensions escalated when a fire allegedly broke out from an electrical line during the eviction process. The incident angered vendors, who accused authorities of causing damage to their businesses. Shortly afterward, groups of hawkers attacked and vandalized several City Corporation vehicles.

Witnesses reported scenes of panic as Ansar personnel were seen running from the Hope Market area toward Mirpur-13 while being chased by individuals armed with sticks and bricks.

At the scene, flames were visible near the western side of Baitul Quddus Jame Mosque. When a police pickup truck approached from the Mirpur-10 roundabout, it reportedly came under a barrage of brickbats.

Two Fire Service units arrived shortly afterward and managed to bring the blaze under control after approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Hawkers said various goods and materials stored at the site were damaged in the fire.

During the unrest, hundreds of hawkers allegedly took part in attacks and vandalism. At least two City Corporation vehicles were damaged and later set on fire.

Journalists attempting to photograph and record the incident faced obstruction. Media personnel were reportedly prevented from taking photos and videos of the damaged vehicles. A photojournalist from Samakal, Mahbub Hossain Nabin, was allegedly assaulted while trying to document the aftermath.

Witnesses said no police officers were visible at the scene during the height of the violence.

Authorities have not yet released an official statement regarding casualties, arrests, or the extent of property damage.