Bangladesh Unrest: Clashes in Dhaka leave 50 injured as Inqilab Mancho protesters demand UN probe into Osman Hadi killing. Police use tear gas near Yunus' residence. Govt pledges action.
Bangladesh Political Violence: Candidate Among 50 Injured in Shahbagh Protests (Image: X)
Fresh violence erupted in central Dhaka on Friday evening as police clashed with activists from the Inqilab Mancho protest group demanding justice for slain student leader Osman Hadi. The confrontation near the residence of Bangladesh's Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus resulted in approximately 50 injuries, including an independent parliamentary candidate.
To seek a United Nations-led investigation into the death of Osman Hadi, a frontline activist in the 2024 "July Uprising" that overthrew previous Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government, protesters gathered at the Shahbagh crossroads. Hadi, who was a candidate in the upcoming February 12 parliamentary polls, was shot while electioneering on December 12 and later died of his injuries. When police tried to clear the area at 7:50 p.m., tensions increased and violent altercations broke out.
Police used baton charges, tear gas shells, and sound grenades to disperse the protesters. According to a report from the Dhaka Tribune, around 40 to 50 people were injured. The police confirmed that approximately 50 activists were taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for treatment. Among the injured was Mohiuddin Roni, an independent candidate for the Dhaka-18 constituency.
The interim government, led by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, has reiterated its commitment to securing justice in the Hadi murder case. Yunus's press secretary, Shafiqul Alam, stated the government would formally ask the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to lead an impartial inquiry. The government confirmed it is "deeply reviewing the legal aspects" of the UN investigation and plans to send an official request to the UN agency on February 8.
The clashes occurred near the residence of Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, marking the second protest at that location on Friday. Earlier in the day, government employees had staged a separate demonstration there, demanding implementation of a new pay commission report. The area has become a focal point for groups seeking to pressure the caretaker administration.
A: Osman Hadi was a student leader and a key activist in the 2024 "July Uprising." He was a candidate in the upcoming national election before being fatally shot in December.
A: They are demanding a UN-led independent investigation into Hadi's killing and justice for his death.
A: The interim government of Muhammad Yunus has pledged to seek a UN human rights agency-led inquiry to ensure impartiality, with plans to send a formal request on February 8.
A: Reports indicate between 40 and 50 people were injured, including a parliamentary candidate.
Disclaimer: This information is based on inputs from news agency reports. TSG does not independently confirm the information provided by the relevant sources.
