Protests Erupt Outside Muhammad Yunus' Residence Ahead Of Bangladesh Elections, Interim Govt Denies Use Of Force

Dhaka: Massive protests erupted outside the official residence of Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus in Dhaka on Friday.

The uproar reportedly comes amid several groups continuing to demand justice over youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi's death. This comes six days before Bangladesh witnesses its first election since the 2024 violence that had forced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to resign and flee to India.

According to reports, the protestors gathered at Shaheed Minar in the morning and marched towards Yunus' official residence, Jamuna, calling for the immediate publication of a government gazette, the Ninth National Pay Scale, based on the pay commission’s recommendations, which proposed a restructure in the salaries of government employees.

Members of the Bangladesh Government Officials and Employees Welfare Association were reportedly among those attending.

Visuals of the escalated situation following the protests soon surfaced on social media. As the protestors crossed barricades, and marched towards the police in an attempt to reach the main advisory office near the Jamuna, the police tried to block them by setting up barricades, using water cannons, tear gas, and sound grenades.

Sharif Osman Hadi, who died on December 18, was a key leader in the protests against Sheikh Hasina. Known for his anti-India rhetoric, Hadi was a spokesperson for the Inquilab Mancha platform, and a candidate in the general elections who was shot in the head while launching his election campaign in Dhaka. His death had triggered a huge furore in Bangladesh, leading to protests in which several buildings in Dhaka, including those housing the country's two leading media houses, were set on fire. 

The Interim Government of Dhaka issued a statement following the protests. Taking to the social media platform X, it said that no lethal weapon was used by the police to disperse the crowd. It also said that the government is committed to the trial of the murder of Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi. “The government is reviewing the legal aspects of conducting an investigation under the United Nations and will formally send a letter to the relevant United Nations agency on Sunday, February 8, 2026. The allegations of excessive force being used against the protesters through various means are not correct,” the post added. The post also alleged that at least 23 people were found injured during the protests. “To ensure the overall progress, stability and future development of the country, this election must be conducted in a fair, beautiful, free and impartial manner,” it said. 

Reports confirming whether Yunus was at his residence during today's protests have not been revealed yet. The protests come amid rumoured allegations against Yunus, which state that he has been trying to push the upcoming polls further. 

This is a developing story