Police, Inqilab Moncha supporters clash

Police on Friday fired tear gas shells and sound grenades to disperse activists of Inqilab Moncha during their blockade programme at Shahbagh intersection, following allegations of police action against protesters demanding justice for the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi.

At Around 5:15pm, leaders, activists and supporters of Inqilab Moncha brought out a procession from the Raju Memorial Sculpture of Dhaka University and took position at Shahbagh Mor. After reaching the intersection, they blocked the road and began protesting, UNB reports.

At about 7:30pm, protesters chased a group of police personnel from Shahbagh towards Hotel InterContinental. Police later launched a counter-chase and used tear gas shells and sound grenades to disperse the protesters. Witnesses said sounds of around 20 sound grenades were heard during the incident.

Earlier in the afternoon, a procession led by Inqilab Moncha, demanding justice for the killing of Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi, marched towards the Jamuna area demanding justice for Hadi's killing. The organisation alleged that police obstructed the march and carried out an attack using tear gas, sound grenades and water cannons. During the clashes, several Inqilab Moncha leaders and activists, including Member Secretary Abdullah Al Jaber, were injured. The injured were taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for treatment. The organisation also claimed that DUCSU leader Jhuma and JUCSU leader Shanta Akter were among those injured.

However, according to doctors on duty at the emergency department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, a total of 76 people, including Abdullah Al Jaber, received medical treatment following the incident. The doctors confirmed that none of the injured sustained gunshot wounds.