Inqilab Moncho member secretary Abdullah Jaber was injured by a rubber bullet, not live ammunition, during clashes with police while attempting to march towards the Jamuna State Guest House on Friday, the interim government has said, rejecting reports circulated by some media outlets that claimed he was shot.

The incident occurred just six days ahead of the national election when over a hundred activists of Inqilab Moncho took out a procession after Jumma prayers, demanding justice for the killing of Osman Hadi and announcing a “Jamuna gherao” programme.

Police stopped the march near Hotel InterContinental, leading to initial scuffles. At one stage, Abdullah Jaber and Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union Vice-President Salahuddin Ammar climbed onto police barricades and exchanged heated words with law enforcers.

Witnesses said Jaber was seen addressing police through a loudspeaker, using provocative language. Soon after, protesters broke through the barricades and rushed towards Jamuna. Police initially used water cannons to disperse the crowd, followed by baton charges as tensions escalated.

As a section of protesters retaliated by attacking the water cannon vehicle, police deployed tear gas, sound grenades and eventually rubber bullets to bring the situation under control. Jaber and Ammar were injured during this phase.

Soon after the clash, social media pages linked to Inqilab Monchi and several online portals reported that Jaber had been shot. However, correspondents at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) confirmed that his injuries were caused by rubber bullets, not live fire.

In an evening statement, the interim government said protests were already banned in and around Jamuna and its adjoining areas, but law enforcement agencies initially refrained from using force.

The statement noted that when protesters attempted to break barricades, advance towards Jamuna and even climbed onto a water cannon vehicle, police were compelled to use water cannons and sound grenades to maintain order.

“The government reiterates that no live ammunition was fired at any stage,” it said.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) also confirmed that no firearms were used during the operation, stressing that the action was taken in accordance with the law to ensure public order and the security of the Chief Adviser.

Doctors at the emergency department of DMCH said 23 people, including Abdullah Jaber, received treatment following the clashes. None of them sustained gunshot injuries, they confirmed.

The government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring justice in the Osman Hadi murder case, adding that it is closely reviewing the legal aspects of conducting an investigation under United Nations supervision. An official letter will be sent to the relevant UN body on Sunday, the statement said.

Rejecting allegations of excessive use of force against protesters, the government urged all parties to exercise patience, restraint and responsibility amid the sensitive political situation ahead of the election.