The Press Wing of the Chief Adviser’s Office has dismissed social media reports claiming that three protesters were killed and at least ten were critically injured by police gunfire near the Jamuna, describing the claims as “false.”
In a post on its verified Facebook page on Friday, the Press Wing said the allegations were being spread through several pro-Awami League social media accounts.
It added that a review of multiple media reports and other reliable sources did not confirm any deaths linked to the police action near Jamuna.
The post noted that while many outlets reported police using batons and sound grenades to disperse the protesters, none mentioned fatalities.
It also said there were no credible reports of five deaths, as had been claimed on social platforms.
According to media accounts cited by the press wing, government employees had gathered in front of the Chief Adviser’s residence at Jamuna to demand the implementation of the new pay scale.
Police initially used tear gas and sound grenades to disperse the crowd. DMP Commissioner Sheikh Md Sazzat Ali and other senior officials reportedly urged the protesters to vacate the area, but the sit-in continued.
Around 12:30pm, police intensified their operation, using batons, sound grenades and tear gas. The protesters then moved towards the Hotel InterContinental intersection.
The press wing said police again resorted to force at about 1:15pm when protesters remained at the site. Multiple rounds of sound grenades were fired, causing the crowd to split, with some heading towards Shahbagh and others towards Banglamotor.
The press wing reiterated that despite the police action, there is no evidence to support claims that three protesters were killed near Jamuna.
