Police Clash with Inqilab Mancha Protesters in Dhaka; Multiple Injuries Reported
DHAKA, Feb 6, 2026: A protest march toward the Chief Adviser’s official residence, "Jamuna," descended into chaos on Friday afternoon as activists from the Inqilab Mancha clashed with law enforcement near the Hotel InterContinental intersection.
The confrontation, which broke out around 3:50 PM, left several people injured, including the organization's member secretary, Abdullah Al Jaber.
The Standoff at InterContinental Intersection
The Inqilab Mancha had been staging a sit-in since Thursday, demanding a United Nations-led inquiry into the death of Shahid Sharif Osman Bin Hadi. The situation turned volatile when the group attempted to bypass security cordons to reach the high-security zone of the Chief Adviser.
To disperse the crowd, police deployed several crowd-control measures:
Water cannons to push back the frontline.
Tear gas canisters to clear the intersection.
Sound grenades to disorient the marching activists.
In retaliation, some demonstrators reportedly threw stones and brickbats at the police line. The resulting scuffle led to approximately 20 individuals seeking medical attention at various facilities.
Discrepancy Over Injury Reports
Early reports circulating on social media from Inqilab Mancha supporters claimed that Abdullah Al Jaber had been shot. However, medical officials have since clarified the situation.
"Three individuals, including Abdullah Al Jaber, were brought to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH). We can confirm that none of them sustained gunshot wounds," stated Md. Faruk, Inspector of the DMCH police outpost.
Medical staff indicated that the injuries were primarily caused by physical scuffles, the effects of tear gas, and minor splinters from sound grenades.
Broader Unrest in the Capital
The clash occurred amidst a backdrop of multiple demonstrations in Dhaka. Earlier on Friday, police moved to disperse a separate group of government employees who were protesting for the implementation of the 9th Pay Scale.
The overlapping protests have created a tense atmosphere near the city's administrative hubs. Following the afternoon's violence, prominent student leaders—including Fatema Tasnim Juma, Shanta Akter, and Salahuddin Ammar—were spotted among the crowds.
Current Situation
Following the retreat from the InterContinental area, Inqilab Mancha activists moved back toward Shahbagh. The organization has since called for a fresh mass gathering at the Raju Memorial Sculpture at Dhaka University to condemn the police action.
Security remains tight across central Dhaka as authorities attempt to prevent further escalations near government residences.
