Activists of Inqilab Mancha demanding justice for the killing of their spokesperson, Sharif Osman Hadi, clashed with police on Friday afternoon as they marched from Hotel InterContinental towards the residence of the chief adviser, Jamuna.
The protest began around 3:50pm. As the activists attempted to move from InterContinental crossing towards Jamuna, police tried to block their path. When the protesters attempted to break through the barricade, law enforcement responded with water cannons and tear gas, prompting a tense chase and counter-chase that turned the road in front of the hotel into a battlefield.
Police reportedly used batons, tear shells, sound grenades, and water cannons, while protesters hurled bricks at the officers. Several policemen were injured, and a police water cannon vehicle was damaged. Despite the confrontation, the protesters, led by Nasiruddin Patwary, convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), eventually broke through the barricade and continued their march towards Jamuna.
Following the InterContinental clash, activists once again took to the streets at Banglamotor intersection, staging a demonstration in front of Rupayan Tower. Police have been using tear gas to disperse the protesters, but each time authorities retreat, the activists return to occupy the main road.
Sporadic clashes continued, with protesters also moving into nearby streets in response to police action.
Traffic from Banglamotor to InterContinental intersection remained blocked, though vehicles were moving using alternate routes. The protest has also led to the closure of shops in the surrounding area, with some shopkeepers partially opening shutters to monitor the situation. As of 4:45pm., clashes between police and protesters were ongoing at Banglamotor.
The demonstration followed an earlier protest on Thursday, when Inqilab Mancha activists staged a sit-in in front of Jamuna, remaining there throughout the day.