Dhaka

As Bangladesh prepares for its high-stakes general elections scheduled for February 12, 2026, the country is witnessing a surge in pre-poll unrest. At least 23 people were injured in Dhaka on Friday during protests by Inqilab Manch demanding justice for Osman Hadi.

However, the Interim Government, led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, has denied that state security agencies used force during the incident.

In an official statement, the Interim Government said, “The government clearly states that no gunfire was used by law enforcement during this time.” It added that, according to on-duty physicians at the emergency department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, 23 individuals, including Abdullah Al Jaber, Member Secretary of Inqilab Manch, received treatment for injuries sustained during the protest. Doctors confirmed that none of the injured had suffered bullet wounds.

The statement further said that all forms of meetings, rallies, processions, public gatherings, and demonstrations remain prohibited in and around the State Guest House Jamuna in the interest of maintaining public order and ensuring the security of the Chief Adviser.

“In this context, police dispersed the protesters in a fully lawful and regulated manner. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police has confirmed that no lethal weapons were used during the operation,” it said.

The Interim Government reiterated its commitment to ensuring justice in the Osman Hadi case and said it is reviewing the legal aspects of conducting an investigation under the auspices of the United Nations. An official letter will be sent to the relevant UN body on Sunday, February 8, 2026.

With elections approaching, the government urged citizens to maintain patience, restraint, and responsibility.

“The government calls upon all citizens to exercise the highest level of responsibility and cooperation to ensure a festive, peaceful, and participatory election. The upcoming election is a historic milestone in the nation’s democratic journey,” the statement added.

The clarification came after a major escalation of unrest on Friday afternoon, when thousands of Inqilab Morcha protesters attempted to march towards Jamuna, the official residence of Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus.

The incident occurred just six days before the national elections. Protesters were demanding justice for Osman Hadi, who was shot in Dhaka’s Paltan area on December 12, 2025. He was airlifted to Singapore General Hospital on December 15 and died three days later. His death triggered nationwide violence, including attacks on media houses, political and cultural sites, and diplomatic missions.

Visuals from Dhaka showed heavy police deployment, with barricades erected and water cannons, tear gas, and sound grenades used to disperse protesters.

The latest unrest comes at a critical juncture for the Yunus-led administration. The February 12 polls, dubbed the “July Charter” election, will be the first since the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2024.

With the Awami League barred from contesting, political competition has intensified, particularly between former allies the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, now vying for dominance in the same constituencies.

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Meanwhile, the International Crisis Group has flagged uncertainty surrounding the polls, citing concerns over credibility and the risk of violence.