Pre-Election Violence in Bangladesh: Supporters of Hadi Storm Yunus Residence, 50 Injured in Clashes

Dhaka: Violent clashes erupted in the Bangladeshi capital, Dhaka, on Friday as police confronted protesters demanding justice for slain student leader Usman Sharif Hadi. Reports indicate that around 40–50 people were injured during the confrontation outside the government residence of Chief Advisor Mohammad Yunus.

Thousands of demonstrators, organized by the Inquilab Platform, attempted to march toward Yunus’s official residence in Jamuna, demanding a United Nations-monitored investigation into Hadi’s December 2025 assassination. Hadi was shot while campaigning in the Paltan area of Dhaka and later airlifted to Singapore, where he succumbed to his injuries. His death had triggered a series of violent incidents targeting media outlets, political and cultural organizations, and even the Indian mission in Bangladesh.

Clash with Security Forces

The protests at Shahbagh Square escalated around 3:30 PM when demonstrators tried to breach police barricades. Security forces responded with batons, water cannons, and tear gas to disperse the crowd. Officials confirmed that no live ammunition was used during the confrontation. Several protesters attempted to climb the water cannons, prompting authorities to intervene and regain control.

Following the clashes, approximately 50 injured individuals were rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for treatment.

Government Response

The interim government issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to ensuring justice in Hadi’s murder case. Mohammad Yunus’s press secretary, Shafiqul Alam, said the government would request the United Nations Human Rights Office to oversee the investigation. The statement clarified that the unrest intensified only when protesters attempted to break through police barricades toward Jamuna and that no shots were fired at any point during the incident.

Rising Tensions Ahead of National Elections

The violent episode comes just a week before Bangladesh’s national elections on 12 February, the first elections since Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted from power in August 2024. Observers warn that such unrest could heighten political tensions in the lead-up to the vote.