Police use batons, sound grenades to disperse pay-scale protesters

Police used batons and sound grenades to disperse government employees protesting for the publication and implementation of the 9th pay scale near the Jamuna, the official residence of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, on Friday, February 6.

The protesters marched toward the area after gathering at the Central Shaheed Minar in the capital.

Earlier in the day, employees held a rally at the Central Shaheed Minar demanding immediate implementation of the 9th pay scale. Later, they began marching toward the Jamuna.

Police blocked the protesters near Shahbagh National Museum using barricades. Undeterred, the demonstrators broke through and continued their march. Despite water cannons being deployed, they reached Hotel Intercontinental, bypassed another barricade, and staged a sit-in on the road in front of the Jamuna.

Around 11:45 am, police used water cannons and sound grenades to disperse the crowd. Following the dispersal, one group of protesters remained at Intercontinental crossing while another continued their demonstration at Kakrail intersection.

The protesters maintained their demand for the immediate publication and implementation of the 9th pay scale, in line with the National Pay Commission’s recommendations.

KR/MHK