DHAKA (Oct 17) – Bangladesh police on Friday fired teargas, batons, and sound grenades to disperse hundreds of protesters who had gathered near the Parliament complex in Dhaka, refusing to leave the area amid tensions over the July Charter signing ceremony.
According to bdnews24.com, the protesters — many of whom were injured during the July uprising that toppled former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government in August 2024 — had demanded state recognition, legal protection, and rehabilitation.
Witnesses said the demonstrators scaled Parliament’s main gates in the morning and occupied seats reserved for guests in front of the stage where the joint declaration was to be signed. When police attempted to remove them, the protesters began chanting slogans, prompting security forces to intervene.
Law enforcement officers then fired multiple rounds of teargas shells and sound grenades, eventually clearing the area after several hours. At least a dozen protesters were reportedly injured in the clashes, though authorities have not confirmed the number of casualties.
The July Charter, expected to be signed by the interim government and civil society representatives, is aimed at establishing a framework for justice, rehabilitation, and political reconciliation following last year’s violent uprising. However, uncertainty remains over its contents and whether victims of state violence during Hasina’s tenure will receive compensation.
Police have said that the crowd violated security protocols by entering the restricted zone, while protesters accused authorities of trying to silence their demands.
The incident underscores the lingering tension between Bangladesh’s interim administration and activists seeking accountability for the deaths and injuries that occurred during the July 2024 demonstrations.