Bangladesh: Police deploy water cannons, set up barricades as protesters try to seize Chief Adviser's Residence

In a major escalation of civil unrest on Friday afternoon, thousands of Inquilab Morcha's protestors attempted to storm Jamuna, the official residence of the Chief Adviser, Dr Muhammad Yunus. The incident occurred just six days before Bangladesh's highly anticipated national elections, scheduled for February 12. The protestors were demanding justice in the Osman Hadi case, who was shot in the Paltan area of Dhaka on December 12, 2025. He was airlifted to the Singapore General Hospital on 15 December, where he died three days later. His death triggered a series of nationwide violent incidents, targeting media houses, political and cultural sites, and diplomatic missions. Police were seen setting up barricades, using water cannons, tear gas, and sound grenades. Today's crackdown may jeopardise next week's polling process as the unrest arrives at a critical juncture for the Yunus-led administration. The February 12 polls will be the first since Sheikh Hasina's ouster in 2024. The Awami League remains banned from participating, leading to a polarised political environment. Meanwhile, the International Crisis Group had highlighted uncertainty surrounding the polls, including concerns about the process's credibility and the risk of violence. According to local media reports, including Dhaka Tribune and BD News 24, a heavy deployment was made this morning after government employees staged a protest around Jamuna, demanding the gazette notification and immediate implementation of the ninth national pay scale. Demonstrators claim that despite the Pay Commission finalising its recommendations, the interim government has delayed the gazette notification. Protesters were heard chanting, 'There is no rice in the stomach--what development is there in the mouth?' highlighting the severe cost-of-living crisis currently gripping the country. Tensions peaked as protesters broke through final security cordons. For approximately 15 minutes, they staged a sit-in directly in front of the Jamuna gates. Six platoons of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) were deployed. Police and paramilitary units launched a coordinated dispersal operation using water cannons, sound grenades, and tear gas. Several dozen protesters were injured during the baton charge and the ensuing stampede.