Dhaka saw tense scenes on Friday as hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus’s official residence, Jamuna, demanding the immediate implementation of the ninth national pay scale. The protest came just six days ahead of Bangladesh’s general elections—the first since the August 2024 unrest that led to Sheikh Hasina stepping down.
The crowd initially assembled at Shaheed Minar before marching toward Jamuna, chanting slogans like, “No rice in the stomach – what development in the mouth?” Protesters voiced anger over the interim government’s focus on ensuring “free and fair” elections while allegedly ignoring everyday hardships faced by ordinary citizens.
Clashes with Police and Security Forces
The situation escalated around 11:30 am when protestors broke through police barricades near Shahbagh. Law enforcement responded with water cannons, tear gas, sound grenades, and batons. Soldiers quickly arrived to secure the area surrounding the Chief Adviser’s residence.
Eyewitnesses reported injuries as the confrontation intensified. At one point, Deputy Commissioner Masud Alam confronted a protest leader, asking, “Have you come to Jamuna to rig the elections?” This encounter further inflamed the crowd, with some protesters threatening to boycott the upcoming vote if crackdowns continued.
Tensions Remain High Ahead of Elections
By the afternoon, both Shahbagh and Jamuna were heavily secured, with police stating they were engaging in talks with protestors to prevent further escalation. The demonstrations highlighted lingering discontent among citizens, recalling the violent events of 2024 that forced Hasina into exile in India and placed Yunus in charge.
With elections imminent, the country faces heightened tensions as citizens hope for stability, effective governance, and a peaceful transition to an elected administration.