Saturday, 07 February, 2026
Police fired tear gas shells and sound grenades on Friday evening to disperse activists of Inqilab Moncha after clashes erupted during a blockade programme at Shahbagh intersection, one of Dhaka’s busiest traffic hubs.
The confrontation followed allegations by the protest group that law enforcement agencies had earlier obstructed and attacked demonstrators demanding justice for the killing of their leader, Sharif Osman bin Hadi.
The unrest began around 5:15pm when leaders, activists and supporters of Inqilab Moncha brought out a procession from the Raju Memorial Sculpture at Dhaka University and marched towards Shahbagh Mor. After reaching the intersection, protesters took position on the road and began a blockade, halting vehicular movement and triggering severe congestion across adjoining roads.
Tensions escalated several hours later. Witnesses said that at about 7:30pm, protesters chased a group of police personnel from Shahbagh towards Hotel InterContinental Dhaka. Police subsequently launched a counter-operation, firing tear gas shells and sound grenades to disperse the crowd. Witnesses reported hearing around 20 sound grenades during the confrontation.
Earlier in the afternoon, Inqilab Moncha had organised another procession demanding justice for what it described as the killing of “Shaheed” Sharif Osman Hadi. The march moved towards the Jamuna area, where the chief adviser’s official residence is located.
The Inqilab Moncha alleged that police obstructed the rally and used tear gas, sound grenades and water cannons to disperse participants. Law enforcement officials did not immediately issue a detailed response to the allegation.
Leaders claimed that several of its leaders and activists were injured during the clashes, including its Member Secretary Abdullah Al Jaber. The group also alleged that Dhaka University Central Students’ Union leader Jhuma and Jahangirnagar University Central Students’ Union leader Shanta Akter were among those injured.
Doctors at the emergency department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital said a total of 76 people received medical treatment following the incident. Hospital sources confirmed that none of the injured sustained gunshot wounds.
The protesters eventually withdrew the blockade later in the evening, restoring traffic movement in the area. The demonstration ended about an hour after Abdullah Al Jaber made an announcement via Facebook Live around 9pm, urging supporters to clear the intersection.
Activists had been holding the Shahbagh blockade since late afternoon as part of their ongoing campaign demanding justice for Hadi’s killing.
Earlier, police fired tear gas around 8pm, temporarily dispersing demonstrators, though protesters later regrouped before finally withdrawing.
Following the withdrawal, Plabon Tariq, an organiser of July Oikya, accused authorities of ignoring their demands and using excessive force.
“Hadi and others like him have been bloodied again today. Our demands were not unreasonable. The chief adviser should communicate with the United Nations seeking justice for Osman Hadi,” he said.
He added that protesters had approached the State Guest House Jamuna “out of desperation”, claiming officials failed to engage with them.
“We waited throughout the night, but not even a clerk came to speak to us,” he said.
Plabon also rejected allegations that protesters had attempted to create disorder, stating that demonstrators staged a sit-in outside InterContinental Dhaka peacefully.
“After Hadi, Jaber used to lead these gatherings. Yet we are being blamed for attempting to sabotage the election. Police attacked us unjustly and injured Jaber,” he alleged.
He further said the organisation would continue its movement until justice was ensured for Hadi, despite holding meetings with administrative authorities.
The blockade paralysed traffic movement at Shahbagh and surrounding roads, one of the capital’s most critical transport junctions linking Dhaka University, Ramna, Karwan Bazar and central administrative areas. Commuters were forced to take alternative routes as congestion spread to adjacent roads.
Friday’s clashes highlight renewed tensions surrounding political and activist mobilisation in Dhaka ahead of the national election, with security agencies maintaining heightened vigilance over demonstrations in sensitive zones, particularly near key government installations.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether any cases would be filed over the clashes. Meanwhile, protest organisers signalled plans to continue demonstrations, raising concerns over further disruptions in the coming days.
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Police fired tear gas shells and sound grenades on Friday evening to disperse activists of Inqilab Moncha after clashes erupted during a blockade programme at Shahbagh intersection, one of Dhaka’s busiest traffic hubs.
The confrontation followed allegations by the protest group that law enforcement agencies had earlier obstructed and attacked demonstrators demanding justice for the killing of their leader, Sharif Osman bin Hadi.
The unrest began around 5:15pm when leaders, activists and supporters of Inqilab Moncha brought out a procession from the Raju Memorial Sculpture at Dhaka University and marched towards Shahbagh Mor. After reaching the intersection, protesters took position on the road and began a blockade, halting vehicular movement and triggering severe congestion across adjoining roads.
Tensions escalated several hours later. Witnesses said that at about 7:30pm, protesters chased a group of police personnel from Shahbagh towards Hotel InterContinental Dhaka. Police subsequently launched a counter-operation, firing tear gas shells and sound grenades to disperse the crowd. Witnesses reported hearing around 20 sound grenades during the confrontation.
Earlier in the afternoon, Inqilab Moncha had organised another procession demanding justice for what it described as the killing of “Shaheed” Sharif Osman Hadi. The march moved towards the Jamuna area, where the chief adviser’s official residence is located.
The Inqilab Moncha alleged that police obstructed the rally and used tear gas, sound grenades and water cannons to disperse participants. Law enforcement officials did not immediately issue a detailed response to the allegation.
Leaders claimed that several of its leaders and activists were injured during the clashes, including its Member Secretary Abdullah Al Jaber. The group also alleged that Dhaka University Central Students’ Union leader Jhuma and Jahangirnagar University Central Students’ Union leader Shanta Akter were among those injured.
Doctors at the emergency department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital said a total of 76 people received medical treatment following the incident. Hospital sources confirmed that none of the injured sustained gunshot wounds.
The protesters eventually withdrew the blockade later in the evening, restoring traffic movement in the area. The demonstration ended about an hour after Abdullah Al Jaber made an announcement via Facebook Live around 9pm, urging supporters to clear the intersection.
Activists had been holding the Shahbagh blockade since late afternoon as part of their ongoing campaign demanding justice for Hadi’s killing.
Earlier, police fired tear gas around 8pm, temporarily dispersing demonstrators, though protesters later regrouped before finally withdrawing.
Following the withdrawal, Plabon Tariq, an organiser of July Oikya, accused authorities of ignoring their demands and using excessive force.
“Hadi and others like him have been bloodied again today. Our demands were not unreasonable. The chief adviser should communicate with the United Nations seeking justice for Osman Hadi,” he said.
He added that protesters had approached the State Guest House Jamuna “out of desperation”, claiming officials failed to engage with them.
“We waited throughout the night, but not even a clerk came to speak to us,” he said.
Plabon also rejected allegations that protesters had attempted to create disorder, stating that demonstrators staged a sit-in outside InterContinental Dhaka peacefully.
“After Hadi, Jaber used to lead these gatherings. Yet we are being blamed for attempting to sabotage the election. Police attacked us unjustly and injured Jaber,” he alleged.
He further said the organisation would continue its movement until justice was ensured for Hadi, despite holding meetings with administrative authorities.
The blockade paralysed traffic movement at Shahbagh and surrounding roads, one of the capital’s most critical transport junctions linking Dhaka University, Ramna, Karwan Bazar and central administrative areas. Commuters were forced to take alternative routes as congestion spread to adjacent roads.
Friday’s clashes highlight renewed tensions surrounding political and activist mobilisation in Dhaka ahead of the national election, with security agencies maintaining heightened vigilance over demonstrations in sensitive zones, particularly near key government installations.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether any cases would be filed over the clashes. Meanwhile, protest organisers signalled plans to continue demonstrations, raising concerns over further disruptions in the coming days.
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