A faction of “July fighters” blocked a road in Dhanmondi of the capital on Friday afternoon, halting traffic in the area. The protesters gathered in front of Rapa Plaza at 2:15pm after police dispersed them from the parliament premises.
Witnesses said the protesters wielding sticks were stopping all vehicles, except ambulances. Meanwhile, another group continued their demonstration just outside the parliament complex.
Earlier around 1:30pm, clashes erupted at the South Plaza of the parliament building during the signing ceremony of the July Charter. Police used batons and sound grenades to disperse the protesters from Manik Mia Avenue near the parliament. In response, demonstrators hurled brick chips and stones at law enforcers.
Several people were injured during the confrontation, and tents and other materials set up for the charter signing event were burned. The violence continued for more than an hour with repeated baton charges, stone pelting, and chases between police and protesters.
By around 2:45pm, the situation was brought under control, with army personnel deployed to secure the parliament area. “July fighters” were demonstrating to demand the official recognition of their contribution to the July Uprising in Bangladesh.
