50 injured in fresh Bangladesh unrest as Inquilab Moncho protests turn violent

Police used tear gas and baton charges on Inquilab Moncho students and activists during protests in Dhaka on Friday as violence broke out in Bangladesh ahead of the general election. The demonstrators called for the accused in the killing of Osman Hadi, the leader of Inquilab Moncho, to face severe punishment.

Police used force during protests outside Chief Adviser Dr. Yunus’ official apartment, injuring and hospitalizing over fifty individuals.Police used barricades to stop them from moving. Police used batons, tear gas, and water cannon to scatter the demonstrators as they tried to force their way through. There have also been reports of police throwing sound bombs. According to the Daily Sun, the demonstrators retaliated by hurling brickbats as well.

In a Facebook post on Friday, the organization said that Abdullah Al Jaber, Member Secretary of Inqilab Moncho, had been “bullet injured” by police shooting while trying to take control of the top adviser’s official residence, the state guest house in Jamuna. Batons and tear gas were also used to disperse government workers who were protesting the introduction of the ninth pay scale earlier in the afternoon.

When students and supporters of Inquilab Manch gathered to demand harsh punishment for those suspected of killing their leader Usman Hadi, new conflicts erupted. Police attempted to stop demonstrators from marching toward Dr. Yunus’ home, which resulted in a confrontation and the use of force.

Tensions have increased since Hadi’s shooting death in December, and the unrest occurs just six days before Bangladesh’s general election.

Security has been tightened across Dhaka, with additional paramilitary forces and police deployed. Curfews have been imposed on the areas surrounding the Chief Adviser’s home, and protests of any kind are prohibited. Restrictions have also been imposed on public gatherings near the Jamuna Guest House.