Violent clashes in Bangladesh leave 10 injured ahead of July Charter signing

October 17, 2025

Dhaka: At least 10 people were injured on Friday afternoon in Bangladesh after violent clashes broke out between law enforcement personnel and a group of protesters identifying themselves as “July Warriors” near the Parliament premises in Dhaka, local media reported.

The violence erupted just hours before the scheduled July Charter Signing Ceremony, an event that has drawn sharp criticism from sections of civil society and former movement participants.

According to Inspector Faruk, in charge of the Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) police outpost, all the injured have been admitted to DMCH and are undergoing treatment.

Protest Turns Violent

Eyewitnesses said that hundreds of demonstrators gathered on Manik Mia Avenue, near the Parliament complex, to protest against the government’s July Charter initiative.

“Police suddenly began hitting us to clear the area. We were beaten indiscriminately, and several of us were injured,” a protester named Gazi told The Daily Star.

The demonstrators — consisting of individuals injured during last year’s July Uprising and families of those killed — had been holding a sit-in at the Parliament premises, vowing not to leave until their three demands were met:

1. Official state recognition for the July movement,

2. Legal protection for participants, and

3. Rehabilitation and compensation for affected families.

Police Use Force; Protesters Retaliate

As protesters attempted to march toward the Parliament gates, police and military personnel blocked them, leading to a scuffle. Security forces reportedly resorted to baton charges and fired three rounds of sound grenades to disperse the gathering.

In retaliation, protesters allegedly vandalised police vehicles, including a car and a bus, and set fire to the temporary reception area and control room erected outside the Parliament complex for the upcoming ceremony.

The group issued a stark warning to the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government, saying:

“If we have to spill our blood again, the second administration will not survive either.”

They referenced the mass protests last year that led to the ouster of the Awami League government headed by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Security Tightened

Authorities deployed a heavy security contingent — including the Army, police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) units — to restore order in the area.

Bangladesh has witnessed recurring protests and political unrest since the fall of the Awami League government in 2024, with the country grappling with deep political divisions and frequent outbreaks of violence.