A violent clash erupted early Friday morning at New Market Police Station in Dhaka when over 50 activists, allegedly affiliated with student and youth wings of a political party, launched an attack to free Mohammad Hossain alias Mithun, a 35-year-old student leader. Mithun had been detained in connection with a knife attack on a businessman at Elephant Road earlier this month. The incident left five police officers, including New Market Zone Assistant Commissioner (AC) Tarik Latif, critically injured.

The confrontation occurred as the police vehicle carrying Mithun entered the police station premises. Mithun's supporters reportedly attempted to block the vehicle and demanded his release. When officers tried to disperse them, the mob, armed with sticks, iron rods, and sharp weapons, launched an assault on the police personnel.

According to sources, Mithun was arrested late Thursday night from the 300 Feet area in Purbachal and brought to New Market Police Station for questioning. He was accused of directing members of a criminal group, known as the "Imon Group," to attack Ehteshamul Haque, a senior joint secretary of the Multiplan Shop Owners Association. The assault on Haque occurred on January 10 near Multiplan Center on Elephant Road, leaving him seriously injured. A case was filed by another association leader, Wahidul Hasan, against the alleged attackers, including members of the Imon Group, a notorious extortion ring operating in the Dhanmondi area.

During the investigation, one suspect on remand reportedly confessed to receiving orders from Mithun to participate in the attack. Mithun is believed to have close ties with the leader of the Imon Group, Sanjidul Hasan Imon, who allegedly manages extortion activities in Dhanmondi under Mithun's directive.

The attempt to free Mithun unfolded at around 4:00 AM on Friday. As the vehicle carrying him entered the police station premises, a group of his supporters tried to block its path. Police officers on duty instructed them to leave, but the crowd turned violent, assaulting the officers in an attempt to overpower them. The attackers used blunt and sharp weapons during the clash, resulting in serious injuries to AC Tarik Latif, Sub-Inspectors (SI) Arab Ali, Firoz Ahmed, and Khondakar Mesbah, among others. Despite the injuries, the police managed to repel the attackers, forcing many to flee. Six individuals were apprehended at the scene.

The arrested individuals were identified as Bashir Islam (28), Mohammad Hasan (21), Mohammad Imon (25), Masum Mahmud (32), Mohammad Alamin (30), and Akbar Ali. A case has been filed against them and other unidentified attackers for their involvement in the assault and the attempt to rescue Mithun.

Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mohsin Uddin Atik of New Market Police Station confirmed the incident and stated that a separate case has been filed regarding the attack on police personnel. "The attackers failed to free Mithun, and we have arrested six individuals involved in the incident. The investigation will reveal who orchestrated the attack," he said.

Meanwhile, sources within the police have indicated that the assailants were well-prepared and targeted the police station with the intent of rescuing Mithun. However, the swift action of the officers prevented the situation from escalating further. Mithun remains in police custody, and the six arrested individuals have been presented before the court.

The initial case against Mithun and the Imon Group involves charges of attempted murder and conspiracy related to the Elephant Road attack. Investigators are now examining whether Mithun's political affiliations played a role in orchestrating the violent attack on the police station. Authorities have vowed to conduct a thorough investigation to bring all responsible parties to justice.

The injured police officers are currently receiving medical treatment, with AC Tarik Latif reported to be in critical condition. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of law enforcement personnel and the increasing brazenness of criminal groups operating under political banners.