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2w ago

Clashes at Yunus Residence Jolt Bangladesh Days Before Feb. 12 Election

With the Awami League barred, a BNP–Jamaat contest coincides with a referendum that critics say violates the constitution.

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Banners of the election candidates hang over a street during the general election campaign in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on February 4, 2026. (Mamunur Rashid/NurPhoto via ReutersConnect)

Overview

  • Thousands from the Inquilab Morcha advanced on Jamuna, the official residence of Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, briefly reaching the gates before police used water cannons, tear gas and sound grenades to disperse the crowd.
  • Security was reinforced with Border Guard Bangladesh units after earlier government-employee demonstrations over a national pay scale near the area, and local reports described multiple injuries during the dispersal.
  • The interim government said no gunfire was used, reported 23 people treated for injuries, prohibited gatherings around Jamuna, and said it is reviewing a UN-assisted investigation request in the Osman Hadi case with a letter planned for Feb. 8.
  • Bangladesh votes on Feb. 12 with roughly 1,700 candidates contesting 300 seats, more than 127 million eligible voters, and about 500 foreign observers expected; a referendum on the July Charter will be held the same day.
  • The main fight features Tarique Rahman’s BNP against a Jamaat-led alliance after the Awami League’s ban, as Rahman told Reuters he rejected Jamaat’s unity-government proposal and expects his party to secure enough seats to rule.