No gunfire during Inqilab Mancha protest: Govt statement

The interim government has stated that police did not fire any shots during the Inqilab Mancha protest demanding justice for Sharif Osman Hadi.

The statement was issued on Friday (February 6) evening via a verified Facebook post by the Chief Adviser.

According to the government, the protest under the banner of Inqilab Mancha began on February 5 afternoon in front of the State Guest House near Jamuna. Although demonstrators were prohibited in Jamuna and its surrounding areas, the law enforcement authorities initially did not use any force against the protesters.

The statement added that when protesters broke through barricades and tried to advance toward Jamuna, and at one point climbed onto a water cannon, the authorities used sound grenades and water cannons to control the situation.

The government has stated that law enforcement did not fire any shots during the Inqilab Mancha protest. To maintain public order and ensure the security of the Honorable Chief Adviser, any meetings, rallies, gatherings, or demonstrations are prohibited in and around the State Guest House near Jamuna. Within this framework, police acted fully according to rules and law to disperse the protesters, and no firearms were used, confirmed the Dhaka Metropolitan Police.

According to information from duty doctors at the Dhaka Medical College Hospital emergency department, a total of 23 people received treatment, including Inqilab Mancha’s General Secretary Abdullah Al Jaber. However, the doctors confirmed that none of the injured sustained gunshot wounds.

The government emphasized that it remains firmly committed to investigating the murder of Sharif Osman Hadi. The legal aspects of conducting a UN-led investigation are being thoroughly reviewed, and an official letter will be sent to the relevant UN agency on Sunday, February 8.

The government also clarified that allegations of excessive force against protesters reported in the media are not accurate.

Amid the sensitive political climate preceding the upcoming election, the government has appealed to all citizens to exercise patience, restraint, and responsibility, noting that nearly 180 million people in Bangladesh are eagerly awaiting the vote. At the same time, the international community is closely observing the country, and numerous foreign journalists and election observers are already present in Bangladesh.

The statement emphasized that the government seeks to ensure a festive, peaceful, and participatory election, calling for the highest level of responsibility and cooperation from everyone. The upcoming election is described as a historic milestone in the nation’s democratic journey, with the opportunity achieved through long struggle, sacrifice, and bloodshed carrying immense significance for the country.

The government stressed that to ensure overall progress, stability, and future development, the election must be conducted smoothly, fairly, freely, and impartially. Any deviation from this standard is unacceptable. The statement concluded that only through the responsible conduct and cooperation of all citizens can a credible, dignified, and democratic election be successfully realized.