Bangladesh: Yunus in trouble as violence rocks Dhaka amid protests by government employees

Dhaka: The Mohammed Yunus government in Bangladesh is facing trouble again. This time, massive protests are underway against the government. A large number of government officials and employees gathered at the official residence of Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus in Dhaka on Friday.

They were demanding the announcement of the Ninth National Pay Scale. Around 11:30 AM, they broke through police barricades in Shahbagh and reached Yunus's residence, where they began protesting. Police used batons and tear gas to disperse them.

Why are the police on high alert?

According to reports, 15 people were injured in clashes with security personnel. The Dhaka Tribune quoted Masud Alam, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) of the Ramna Division, as saying, "We are on high alert to maintain law and order." He added that they were negotiating with the protesters to move them elsewhere. According to local newspapers, the protest began at the Shaheed Minar in Dhaka, where protesters from across Bangladesh had gathered. Around 11 AM, the government employees gathered there started marching towards the official residence of Chief Advisor Yunus, located in the Yamuna area. When they reached Shahbagh, police stopped them.

Why have the protesters refused to budge?

Police used water cannons to disperse the crowd, but the protesters still managed to reach Yunus's residence and began demonstrating in front of it. Senior police officials held several rounds of talks with the protesters, but they refused to budge. Tear gas was then used.

What are they afraid of?

Elections are scheduled in Bangladesh on February 12. The protesters fear that the new government, once in power, might delay the implementation of the proposed pay increase for government employees. They are demanding that the current interim government, headed by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, announce the new pay scale. They argue that the pay commission has already submitted its complete report, and the pay scale can be implemented through a notification.