Formal letter to be sent on SundayGovt to seek UN-Led probe into Hadi murder

The government remains committed to ensuring fair trial for the murder, according to a statement issued by the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing.

This decision comes as the administration concludes a deep review of the legal frameworks required to conduct an inquiry under UN auspices.

Also Read: Inqilab Moncho blocks Shahbagh after police attacks

The move follows two days of demonstrations held under the banner of Inqilab Mancha. Protesters had gathered in front of the State Guest House Yamuna since the evening of 5 February to demand a trial for the killing.

In the statement, the government also urged every citizen of the country to show the highest responsibility, remain patient and extend support for ensuring a peaceful and inclusive general election on 12 February.

While the government has now moved to meet the demand for an international probe, it maintained that the security measures taken to disperse the crowds were necessary to protect the high-security zone where rallies are prohibited.

As the nation approaches its upcoming general elections, which the government has described as a “historic milestone” for Bangladesh’s 180 million citizens, officials have urged for calm and responsibility.

With numerous international observers and foreign journalists already present in the country, the government stressed that maintaining stability is vital for a peaceful, fair, and participatory election.

The statement concluded by noting that the electoral opportunity was earned through long struggle and sacrifice, and any deviation from a disciplined democratic process would be unacceptable for the nation’s future development.

Also Read: Police again baton-charge Inqilab Moncho activists during march to Jamuna, 75 injured

Earlier on Friday, the situation near Yamuna escalated when protesters reportedly breached barricades and climbed onto water cannons. This protest caused immense sufferings for travelers.

In response, law enforcement utilised sound grenades and water cannons to bring the area under control.

Subsequently, the Paribagh-Bangla Motor area turned into a conflict zone. At least 75 people were injured in the clashes. Among the injured, 19 were police officers and 56 members of Inqilab Moncho.

Also Read: Govt asserts no live ammunition used against Inqilab Moncho protest

The government and the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) have categorically denied allegations of excessive force, stating that no firearms or lethal weapons were used during the operation.

Medical records from the Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) support the government’s position; while 23 people, including Inqilab Mancha Member Secretary Abdullah Al Jaber, received treatment for various injuries, duty doctors confirmed that none of the injured sustained bullet wounds.

It is worth noting that Inqilab Manch spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi was shot by assailants on December 12 at Box Culvert Road under Paltan Model Police Station in Dhaka, a day after the schedule for the 13th national parliamentary election and a referendum was announced.

He was initially taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, later to Evercare Hospital, and eventually flown to Singapore. Hadi died on the night of December 18 while undergoing treatment at Singapore General Hospital.

Following the incident, Jaber filed a case of attempted murder with Paltan Police Station on December 14, which was later converted into a murder case.