The area around Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka turned into a battlefield on Thursday following violent clashes between the July Fighters and police centering the “July Charter” signing ceremony near the National Parliament.
According to eyewitnesses, from early morning, students and activists injured in the July uprising gathered near the south plaza of the Parliament, pressing a three-point demand — state recognition for the wounded, the title of “July War Hero,” and rehabilitation.
The situation escalated around noon when protesters attempted to break through police barricades, sparking clashes. The demonstrators set fire to road blockers used by police and torched a temporary tent erected in front of the Water Resources Building for the ceremony.
In response, police fired sound grenades to disperse the crowd. After hours of confrontation and chase, law enforcement removed the protesters from Manik Mia Avenue around 2 PM. Police now control the area up to Asad Gate, while protesters are stationed just beyond it.
Traffic on Manik Mia Avenue and Mirpur Road has been completely halted, and furniture as well as ceramic items in the area were vandalized during the chaos.
The “July National Charter” was scheduled to be signed at 4 PM at the south plaza of the Parliament. However, tensions had been building since morning. Professor Ali Riaz, vice-chairman of the National Consensus Commission, urged the demonstrators to leave, assuring them their recognition would be included in the charter. The protesters refused to move, prompting the police operation that led to violent clashes.
As of now, the entire Parliament area remains tense and heavily guarded.