A Section 144 order imposed around the National Security Advisor’s residence.

The authorities have imposed Section 144 in the vicinity of the Chief Adviser’s residence in the Jamuna area, following escalating tensions during a government employees’ demonstration on Friday. The announcement was made around midday by Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali.

Earlier in the morning, civil servants from various ministries and departments had gathered at Dhaka’s central Shaheed Minar to demand the prompt implementation of the newly published 9th Pay Scale Gazette. After a brief assembly, the demonstrators began a procession towards the Chief Adviser’s official residence in Jamuna.

By approximately 11:00 a.m., the march reached a road adjacent to the Hotel Intercontinental, where police had established barricades to restrict further movement. When demonstrators attempted to breach these barricades, scuffles broke out between the two sides, quickly escalating into violent confrontations.

To bring the situation under control, police deployed tear gas shells, water cannons, and sound grenades, temporarily dispersing the crowd. However, some protesters regrouped shortly afterwards and tried to advance again towards the Jamuna residence, resulting in repeated clashes.

The confrontations continued on the road leading to the Chief Adviser’s residence from 11:30 a.m. onwards. Police forces maintained a heavy presence, resorting to repeated use of crowd-control measures to prevent the demonstrators from reaching their target. In response to the intensifying unrest, Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali personally arrived at the scene, formally declaring the imposition of Section 144 to curb further escalation.

Eyewitnesses reported a chaotic scene, with demonstrators chanting slogans and demanding the government implement the pay scale promptly. Law enforcement officials maintained that the curfew was necessary to ensure public safety and prevent any further disorder.

Summary of Key Events

Police emphasised that the curfew will remain in effect until further notice, warning that any violation could lead to arrest. The situation remains tense, with authorities urging citizens and commuters to avoid the area.