Violent clashes broke out in the heart of Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka on Friday after government employees demanding implementation of the Ninth National Pay Scale confronted police outside Jamuna, the official residence of Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus. 

The clashes came just six days before a general election, which is expected to bring the country under an elected government for the first time since the violence in August 2024. The unrest in August had forced then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to step down and flee to India. After that, a Yunus-led caretaker administration was formed to oversee what was promised to be a “free and fair” election. 

The protest began in the morning when demonstrators from different parts of the country gathered at Shaheed Minar. From there, they marched towards Jamuna, demanding the immediate publication and implementation of the gazette based on the Ninth National Pay Commission report. 

During the march, protesters raised slogans and accused the government of ignoring their livelihood concerns. They shouted, “there is no rice in the stomach – what development is there in the mouth?” as they moved forward. 

At around 11.30 am, protesters reportedly broke through police barricades at Shahbagh and advanced towards the entrance of Jamuna. In response, police used force to stop the crowd from reaching the residence. Authorities fired water cannons, tear gas, and sound grenades, and also carried out lathi charges to disperse the protesters. 

Along with police action, uniformed troops were also deployed in the area to prevent the protesters from reaching the official residence. 

As the situation escalated, several people were reportedly injured during the clashes. 

Tensions further increased when a senior police officer questioned the intentions of the protesters. Deputy Commissioner Masud Alam asked a protesting official, “Have you come to Jamuna to sabotage the election?” 

Government employees warned that continued police action could lead to serious political consequences. One protester threatened that the protest movement could directly impact the upcoming polls, saying, “If attacks continue we will boycott the elections.” 

Police later said they were trying to control the situation and prevent further deterioration of law and order. 

Deputy Commissioner Masud Alam said, “We are remaining alert so that law and order does not deteriorate. We are talking to the protesters so that they move elsewhere.” 

By Friday afternoon, the areas around Shahbagh and Jamuna remained tense. Heavy security forces were deployed, and authorities continued to closely monitor the situation as uncertainty remained over whether the protest would continue in the coming hours. 

The clashes have raised concerns as the country prepares for elections, with the caretaker administration under Yunus already under pressure to ensure stability and a peaceful voting process.