The interim government of Bangladesh has dismissed claims that law enforcement agencies used live bullets during a protest organized by Inqilab Mancha in the capital. The demonstration was held to demand justice for the killing of Osman Hadi. Authorities said medical examinations confirmed that none of the injured protesters suffered gunshot wounds, easing concerns raised after the incident.
The government shared these details in an official statement released by the Chief Adviser’s Office on Friday evening. The statement aimed to clarify the situation and address public confusion surrounding the protest and the actions taken by security forces.
According to government sources, the protest began on 5 February in front of the state guest house Jamuna in Dhaka. Protesters gathered under the Inqilab Mancha banner, calling for legal action over the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi.
Officials noted that the Jamuna area and nearby locations are designated as restricted zones where rallies, marches, and public gatherings are not allowed. Despite the restriction, police initially chose not to intervene and allowed the protesters to continue without force.
Later, tensions increased when some demonstrators attempted to move past security barricades and approach the restricted area. Authorities said a few individuals climbed onto a water cannon vehicle, raising security concerns. To prevent further escalation, law enforcement used water cannons and sound grenades to disperse the crowd.
The interim government firmly stated that no firearms or live ammunition were used at any point during the operation.
The incident resulted in injuries to 23 people, all of whom received treatment at the emergency department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Among those injured was Abdullah Al Jaber, the member secretary of Inqilab Mancha.
Hospital officials confirmed that none of the patients had injuries caused by bullets. Doctors reported that the injuries were mainly due to crowd pressure, movement during dispersal, and the impact of water cannons.
Beyond those directly injured, the event affected commuters, nearby residents, and people working in the surrounding areas, as movement was temporarily restricted during the protest.
The protest and the government response are significant because they come at a time when the country is preparing for a national election. Public confidence in law enforcement behavior and government transparency plays a crucial role during such periods.
To address calls for accountability, the government said it is seriously reviewing the legal process for an investigation under United Nations supervision. An official letter will be sent to the relevant UN agencies on 8 February to explore this option.
The government also rejected allegations of excessive force, stating that police actions followed legal procedures and were necessary to maintain public order and ensure the safety of key locations.
The protest caused temporary disruptions in parts of central Dhaka, affecting daily routines for students and workers. Traffic congestion and road restrictions made it difficult for many office workers to reach their workplaces on time.
Students traveling to schools, colleges, and universities also faced delays, particularly those dependent on public transportation. Some educational activities were disrupted as a result of uncertainty in the area.
Such incidents often create anxiety among workers who rely on daily wages and students who worry about academic schedules. Many citizens have expressed the hope that political activities will remain peaceful in the coming days to avoid further disruptions.
The government has urged everyone, especially young people and working professionals, to remain calm and act responsibly during this sensitive period.
The interim government has clearly stated that no live ammunition was used during the Inqilab Mancha protest and that medical evidence supports this claim. While police used water cannons and sound grenades to control the situation, authorities insist these measures were lawful and necessary.
As Bangladesh moves closer to a national election, the government has emphasized the importance of patience, cooperation, and peaceful behavior from all sides. With international observers closely monitoring the situation, maintaining stability and trust remains a key priority.
Officials believe that through responsible actions by citizens and transparent processes by the authorities, the country can move toward a peaceful, fair, and credible election.
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