DHAKA, Bangladesh — Fresh protests erupted outside Bangladesh’s National Parliament complex on Friday afternoon, as several hundred demonstrators clashed with police over the interim government’s newly introduced political charter, known as the “July National Charter.” The protests turned violent shortly after 1 p.m., coinciding with the signing ceremony of the charter at the South Plaza of the Parliament Building. Protesters, many identifying as “July Fighters” who played a role in ousting former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in July 2024, expressed dissatisfaction with the charter, alleging it failed to address their concerns and the sacrifices made during the uprising.
In response to the unrest, police deployed tear gas, stun grenades, and batons to disperse the crowd. Witnesses reported that some protesters vandalized police vehicles and clashed with security personnel. Several individuals were injured during the confrontations, and the situation remained tense throughout the day.
The July National Charter, introduced by interim Prime Minister Dr. Muhammad Yunus, aims to outline a roadmap for political reforms. However, critics argue that it does not sufficiently recognize the contributions and sacrifices of activists who opposed the previous government. The protests reflect ongoing discontent among certain factions of the population regarding the interim government’s approach to political reform and the inclusion of diverse voices in the national dialogue.