Activists of Inqilab Moncha demanding justice for the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi left Shahbagh intersection on Friday following a series of clashes with police.
By 10:30pm the protesters had dispersed from Shahbagh after earlier taking position there and confronting police, who used tear gas shells and sound grenades to break up the crowd. The back-and-forth chase between protesters and police continued until around 9pm.
Earlier, in a Facebook post, Inqilab Moncha Member Secretary Abdullah Al Jaber said, “Awami league is trying to divert the situation by blending with common people. We request everyone to move to safe places.”
In a video message, Jaber also urged people to vote “Yes” in the upcoming election and called on the government to send a letter to the United Nations by February 8 to ensure a thorough investigation into Hadi’s killing, covering not only the direct attackers but also those who planned, assisted, or provided shelter for the perpetrators.
Earlier on Thursday afternoon, a procession led by Inqilab Moncha moved from the Raju Memorial Sculpture of Dhaka University towards Shahbagh, blocking the road to protest Hadi’s killing.
Police, Inqilab Moncha supporters engage in renewed chase at Shahbagh
Around 7:30pm, protesters chased a group of police from Shahbagh towards Hotel InterContinental, prompting a counter-chase in which police used tear gas, sound grenades, and water cannons. Witnesses reported hearing the sounds of about 20 grenades.
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 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.