Bangladesh’s fragile election build-up was shaken on Friday as violent clashes erupted in central Dhaka near the official residence of Chief Adviser Yunus.
Violent clashes broke out in the heart of Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka on Friday as government employees demanding the implementation of the Ninth National Pay Scale confronted police outside Jamuna, the official residence of Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus.
Unrest ahead of crucial election
The violence comes just six days before a general election that is expected to return Bangladesh to an elected government for the first time since the unrest of August 2024, which forced then prime minister Sheikh Hasina to step down and flee to India. A Yunus-led caretaker administration is currently overseeing the poll, which it has described as “free and fair”.
Protest over pay scale demands
The agitation began earlier in the day when government employees from across the country gathered at Shaheed Minar before marching towards Jamuna. Protesters demanded the immediate publication and implementation of the gazette based on the Ninth National Pay Commission report.
Chanting slogans such as, “there is no rice in the stomach – what development is there in the mouth?”, demonstrators accused the government of ignoring their livelihood concerns.
Police action and injuries
At around 11.30 am, protesters broke through police barricades at Shahbagh and advanced towards the entrance of Jamuna. Police responded by using water cannons, tear gas, sound grenades and baton charges to disperse the crowd. Uniformed troops were also deployed to prevent the protesters from reaching the residence.
Several people were reportedly injured as the clashes intensified.
Tensions rise over election fears
Tensions escalated further after a senior police officer, Deputy Commissioner Masud Alam, questioned a protesting official, asking whether they had come to Jamuna to “sabotage the election”.
Government employees warned that continued police action could have political consequences. “If the attacks continue, we will boycott the elections,” one protester said.
Authorities on alert
Police later said efforts were underway to contain the situation. “We are remaining alert so that law and order does not deteriorate. We are talking to the protesters so that they move elsewhere,” Alam said.
By Friday afternoon, the areas around Shahbagh and Jamuna remained tense, with heavy security deployed and authorities closely monitoring developments.
End of Article
