Police Disperse ‘July Fighters’ From Parliament Plaza Ahead of July Charter Signing

Police have clashed with participants of last year’s July Uprising near the South Plaza of Parliament, using batons, tear gas, and sound grenades to clear the area after protesters refused to disperse.

The demonstrators had gathered in front of the stage ahead of the Friday signing ceremony of the July Charter, demanding state recognition, legal protection, and rehabilitation for those injured during the movement that ousted the Awami League government in August 2024, according to bdnews24.com.

Families of those killed in the uprising and injured protesters staged demonstrations at the South Plaza as officials readied the venue for the signing.

Ali Riaz, vice-chairman of the National Consensus Commission, addressed the crowd from the stage, announcing that amendments would be made to the July Charter to accommodate the demonstrators’ demands.

Despite this assurance, the protesters maintained their sit-in, prompting police to step in. Law enforcement officers then chased and struck several demonstrators with batons, while also deploying tear gas and sound grenades to disperse the crowd.