The interim government on Thursday said that law enforcement agencies did not fire any shots during the protest march organised by Inqilab Moncho near the state guest house Jamuna, demanding justice for the killing of Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi.
In a statement issued by the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing, the government said that despite a ban on all forms of protests, rallies and gatherings in and around Jamuna and adjacent areas, law enforcers initially did not use any force against the protesters who began their march on Friday afternoon.
The statement said the situation escalated when protesters broke through police barricades and attempted to advance towards Jamuna. At one stage, some protesters climbed onto a water cannon, prompting law enforcement agencies to intervene to bring the situation under control. To disperse the crowd, sound grenades and water cannons were used. The government firmly stated that no bullets were fired at any point during the incident.
It said that the restrictions around Jamuna have been imposed to maintain public order and ensure the security of the Chief Adviser. In this context, police acted in a lawful and procedural manner to disperse the protesters.
The Dhaka Metropolitan Police also confirmed that no lethal weapons were used during the operation.
Nearly 40 injured as security forces crackdown on Inqilab Moncho march towards Jamuna
According to information received from doctors on duty at the emergency department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, a total of 23 people, including Inqilab Moncho Member Secretary Abdullah Al Jaber, received medical treatment following the incident. However, doctors confirmed that none of the injured had sustained gunshot wounds.
The government reiterated its firm commitment to ensuring justice for the killing of Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi. It said the legal aspects of conducting an investigation under the United Nations are being reviewed thoroughly and an official letter will be sent to the relevant UN body on Sunday, February 8, 2026.
Rejecting allegations of excessive use of force against protesters, the government urged all concerned to exercise patience, restraint and responsibility during this sensitive political period ahead of the upcoming election.
It also called upon citizens to cooperate in ensuring a peaceful, fair, inclusive and credible election, describing the forthcoming polls as a historic milestone in the country’s democratic journey.