Violent clashes erupted between police and government employees in front of Jamuna, the residence of Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, on Friday morning. The conflict broke out as demonstrators gathered to demand the immediate publication and implementation of gazette for 9th Pay Scale.
At least fifteen people injured in the violence are undergoing treatment at the Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH).
The skirmishes intensified after 11:15am, during which police utilised tear gas, water cannons, and grenades to disperse the protesters. Earlier that morning, the employees had assembled at Central Shaheed Minar before launching a procession towards the CA’s residence.
Escalation of protests
At approximately 11am, the demonstrators reached the road adjacent to Hotel InterContinental, where they broke through police barricades and advanced towards Jamuna while chanting various slogans.
The protesters expressed deep-seated resentment, stating that they have been repeatedly given assurances in the past that were never fulfilled. They argued that since Pay Commission had already been formed during the tenure of the interim government, the failure to issue the gazette constitutes a significant injustice.
The demonstrators declared that they would not return home unless the 9th Pay Scale gazette is published within the day.
BGB deployed
In response to the deteriorating situation, authorities moved to fortify the security of the State Guest House Jamuna.
According to a message from the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), six platoons of the force were deployed in the Kakrail Mosque and Hotel InterContinental areas to maintain order and ensure the residence’s safety.
Despite the deployment and the use of force by police, the atmosphere remained tense as government employees continued their stand, demanding the immediate realisation of their pay scale requirements.
