Police have forcefully removed protesters identifying themselves as “July Fighters” from in front of the stage set for the July National Charter signing ceremony at the South Plaza of the National Parliament. The removal sparked violent clashes, stone pelting, explosions, vandalism of vehicles, and scattered arson in the surrounding areas.
The confrontation began shortly after 1:00 PM Friday when police advanced toward the site. Witnesses reported baton charges on several protesters, some of whom were later seen being taken to hospitals with injuries.
Tension had been building since Thursday night, when protesters gathered under the banner of “July Martyrs’ Families and Injured Fighters.” By Friday morning, they had taken position in front of the stage, demanding official recognition, legal protection, and rehabilitation for those involved in the July Uprising.
Following the forced eviction, protesters regrouped outside the venue, clashing with police and vandalizing several vehicles. At one point, a group re-entered the stage area, prompting another police crackdown. Rubel, identifying himself as a July Fighter, claimed several people were injured due to baton charges and sound grenades.
By 2:00 PM, the situation on Manik Mia Avenue had grown tense. Fires were burning at multiple points, and loud explosions were heard from the Asad Gate area. Security forces took full control of the avenue, while protesters dispersed in different directions.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police Joint Commissioner Md. Shahidullah told reporters that police came under attack from stone-throwing protesters and that five police vehicles were vandalized. He confirmed the use of sound grenades to bring the situation under control.
Earlier in the morning, protesters breached Gate 12 of the Parliament complex and entered the seating area designated for guests, chanting slogans.
The July National Charter signing ceremony is scheduled for 4:00 PM at the South Plaza, with BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and Islami Andolon among the political parties expected to attend. However, the National Citizen Party (NCP) announced late Thursday night that it would not sign the charter without legal guarantees. Four leftist parties—CPB, BSD, BSD (Marxist), and JASAD—also declared they would refrain from signing without receiving the revised draft in advance.
The situation around the Parliament remains under heavy security as the signing event approaches.
