Interim government says no guns fired at Inqilab Moncho activists

The interim government has said law-enforcers did not fire any live rounds in their attempt to control the protests by Inqilab Moncho activists outside State Guest House Jamuna.

The Chief Advisor’s Office (CAO) made the claim in a statement issued on Thursday afternoon after clashes and several injuries that led to hospitalisations.

The statement was corroborated by Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), saying the force had not used any firearms or bullets to break up “illegal” assemblies around Jamuna and surrounding areas.

Activists of Inqilab Moncho clashed with police when they marched toward Jamuna around 4pm, demanding justice for the killing of the platform’s convenor Sharif Osman bin Hadi.

Several people, including the organisation’s Member Secretary Abdullah Al Jaber, were injured and taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for treatment.

A post on Jaber’s Facebook page claimed that he had been shot, and quickly spread on social media.

Activists of Inqilab Moncho subsequently blocked Shahbagh intersection.

The interim government said that although protests are prohibited in and around Jamuna, law-enforcers initially did not use any force against the demonstrators.

It said when protesters broke through barricades and attempted to advance toward Jamuna and climbed atop a water cannon, police used stun grenades and water cannon to bring the situation under control.

 “The government is clearly saying that police did not fire any shots during this time,” the statement said.

It added that any form of assembly, rally, procession, mass gathering, or demonstration is prohibited in and around Jamuna and nearby areas in the interest of maintaining public order and ensuring the chief advisor’s security.

 “In this context, police dispersed the protesters in a completely procedural and lawful manner. No firearms were used during the operation, as confirmed by Dhaka Metropolitan Police,” the statement read.

The Chief Advisor’s Office, citing doctors at the emergency department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, said a total of 23 people, including Jaber, are receiving treatment following the clashes.

It said attending physicians have confirmed that none of the injured has sustained bullet wounds.

Regarding the trial over Hadi’s killing, the statement said: “The government clearly reiterates that it is committed to ensuring justice for the martyr Sharif Osman Hadi.”

 “The legal aspects of conducting an investigation under the United Nations are being reviewed, and a formal letter will be sent to the relevant UN body on Sunday.”

The Chief Advisor’s Office also called on all sides to maintain patience, restraint, and responsibility during what it described as a “sensitive political period” ahead of the election.