Parliament Turns into Battleground Amid July Charter Protests

The "July fighters" broke through police barricades, climbed over walls, and entered the venue during the signing ceremony of the July Charter at the South Plaza of the National Parliament. They sat on chairs designated for guests. Later, the law enforcement agencies chased them away from the Parliament area.

The agitated July fighters broke Gate No. 12 of the Parliament building. After coming outside, they vandalized several trucks and buses. To control the situation, police fired tear gas shells.

Among the vandalized vehicles, two belonged to the police. When police members chased the protesters during the vandalism, the protesters threw brickbats at the police. In response, the police fired tear gas shells targeting them. Currently, both parties are engaged in chase and counter-chase. Police have also been seen baton-charging the protesters.

Tension had been mounting in the Parliament area since the morning surrounding the signing event of the "July National Charter." The July fighters gathered there from early morning with a 3-point demand, including state recognition for the students and civilians injured during the July uprising, and to declare them as July wounded heroes.

In this context, extreme tension is prevailing at Gate No. 12 of the Parliament area. Members of the law enforcement agencies have closed the gate to prevent protesters from entering. On the other hand, the protesters are sitting in front of the gate trying to enter and repeatedly asking the security forces to open the gate.

This situation has been observed since around 12:30 PM.

According to on-the-ground observations, members of various forces have been arriving in and around the Parliament building and the event venue. From police to RAB, army, coast guard, BGB, and Ansar members have cordoned off the entire area. A large number of law enforcement personnel have surrounded Gate No. 12 of the Parliament, the entire Manik Mia Avenue, and the event venue.

Speaking to law enforcement officials on duty, it has been learned that considering the current situation, a huge deployment of security personnel has been made. Members from various police units as well as other forces from across the country have been deployed. Considering the situation, preparations have been made to deal with any untoward incidents and to maintain normalcy.