Police on Friday charged batons and fired tear gas shells to disperse ‘July warriors’ who were staging a sit-in in front of the stage of the ‘July Charter 2025’ signing ceremony, demanding state recognition, legal protection, and rehabilitation for those injured in the July uprising.

The clash erupted around noon at the South Plaza of the National Parliament when injured participants and families of those killed in the uprising began their demonstration.

Vice-Chairman of the National Consensus Commission, Professor Ali Riaz, went up to the stage and announced that an amendment would be added to the charter’s declaration reflecting the protesters’ demands.

However, as the protesters refused to leave the venue, police charged batons and fired tear gas shells and sound grenades to disperse them, leaving several people injured. Some of the injured were seen being taken to hospitals.

During the chaos, protesters vandalized several vehicles outside the Parliament complex and set fire to tires and wooden blocks. They later retreated toward Khamarbari intersection and Asad Gate as police chased them away.

The signing ceremony of the ‘July Charter 2025’, led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus in the presence of political parties, was scheduled to begin at 4 pm. The clashes broke out nearly three hours before the event.

Earlier, Professor Ali Riaz said, “Necessary amendments have been made to the fifth clause of the declaration to reflect the demands of the July warriors. It now includes promises of state honor, proper medical treatment, rehabilitation, and legal protection for the injured.”

However, several political parties had earlier announced that they would not sign the charter, arguing that the document did not “accurately reflect history” and objecting to “changes in the fundamental principles of the Constitution.” The Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), BSD, BSD (Marxist), and Jasad boycotted the event.

Meanwhile, families of July martyrs and injured participants began their sit-in in front of the Parliament on Thursday night. On Friday morning, they entered the South Plaza by crossing the gate and sat on chairs arranged for guests, beginning their protest.

By 2 pm, the entire Manik Mia Avenue came under police control, with traffic suspended and the sound of intermittent grenades echoing through the area.