Violent clashes erupt in Dhaka ahead of July Charter signing; 10 injured

Bangladesh: Dhaka witnessed fresh political unrest on Friday afternoon as violent clashes broke out between police and protesters identifying themselves as “July Warriors” at the Parliament premises, leaving at least ten people injured, according to local reports.

Inspector Faruk of the Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) police outpost confirmed that the injured were receiving treatment at DMCH. Eyewitnesses said the demonstrators had gathered at Manik Mia Avenue to oppose the upcoming July Charter signing, but violence erupted when police attempted to disperse the crowd.

“Police suddenly began hitting us to clear the area. We were beaten indiscriminately, and several of us were injured,” a protester named Gazi told The Daily Star.

The demonstrators — comprising those wounded during the July Uprising and relatives of those killed — had staged a sit-in outside Parliament, demanding official state recognition, legal protection, and rehabilitation for their contributions to the July movement.

Tensions escalated when security forces blocked the protestors’ march, prompting the police to use batons and fire sound grenades to control the situation. In retaliation, protesters vandalised police vehicles and set fire to a temporary reception room and furniture set up for the July Charter Signing Ceremony.

The protesters warned the interim government, saying, “If we have to spill our blood again, the second administration will not survive either,” referencing the violent protests that ousted the former Awami League government last year and brought the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government to power.

Security forces, including the Army, police, Rapid Action Battalion, Border Guard Bangladesh, and Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) units, were deployed to restore order in the area.

Bangladesh has faced recurring protests and political instability since the ouster of Sheikh Hasina’s government in 2024, with the latest violence highlighting deep tensions ahead of the Charter signing ceremony.

The unrest unfolded near Bangladesh’s national Parliament on Manik Mia Avenue in central Dhaka, a politically charged site where demonstrators assembled to voice opposition to the July Charter. The protestors, identifying as “July Warriors,” claimed they were continuing the legacy of the July Uprising — a movement that contributed to the collapse of the Awami League-led administration.

According to police reports, the violence began around midday after officers attempted to disperse the crowd. Witnesses described chaotic scenes as police used batons and sound grenades while protesters retaliated by damaging official vehicles and setting fire to structures erected for the signing event.

Authorities later recovered a number of injured individuals, who were taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for treatment. No fatalities were reported.

The incident adds to growing unease in Bangladesh as the interim government prepares to formalise the July Charter — a document reportedly aimed at shaping the country’s political transition and national reconciliation following last year’s upheaval.

Security remains tight around the capital, with senior officials warning of further unrest as the signing ceremony approaches.
(With IANS inputs)