At least 10 members of the “July Fighters” were injured and admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) after being hit by police batons during clashes in front of the National Parliament building in the capital on Friday.

However, none of the injured are in critical condition, said hospital sources.

The injured are — Cynthia Mim, Shafiqul Islam, Shafiullah, Habib Ullah, Tanvirul Islam, Saiful Islam, Atikul Gazi, Rakib and Laily.

Atikul Gazi, one of the injured, said he came from Uttara to join the protest on Manik Mia Avenue against the signing of the July Charter scheduled for today. “Police baton-charged us to disperse the gathering, injuring several of our members,” he said.

Md Faruk, in-charge of the DMCH police camp, said the injured were receiving treatment at the hospital’s emergency department and none of them were in critical condition.

Earlier around 10:30 am, over 500 agitated demonstrators broke through the security barricade and occupied the South Plaza of the Parliament, where the main stage and guest area for the July Charter signing ceremony were set up.

The protesters alleged that the government drafted the charter without consulting them and that it undermines their contribution by excluding formal recognition. They also claimed the charter lacks a legal foundation like the previous declaration.

Around 1:30 pm, police warned them to leave the area. When they refused, law enforcers fired tear gas shells and charged batons to disperse the crowd.

The clash led to a chase and counter-chase, during which protesters hurled brickbats at police vehicles. Several protesters were injured and taken to hospital.

Later, the “July Fighters” regrouped outside and continued demonstrations, vandalizing several vehicles.