How violence ensued between 'July fighters' and security personnel
The term "July Fighters" refers to the students and general civilians who were on the front lines of the July Uprising in 2024. The martyrs of the uprising are recognised as "July martyrs", and the injured as "July Fighters"
The Parliament area turned into a zone of confrontation today (17 October) as "July fighters" clashed with police and security forces while attempting to rally and press their demands ahead of the signing of the July National Charter.
The demonstrators, comprising individuals injured in the July Uprising and families of the martyred, initially gathered for a sit-in at the Parliament premises on Manik Mia Avenue, vowing not to leave until their three key demands – including granting the injured the status of "July injured heroes" and ensuring their social security – were included in the charter.
When blocked by military and police personnel guarding the gate, the protesters turned violent. Police resorted to a baton charge and fired three rounds of sound grenades to disperse the crowd.
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The protesters retaliated, vandalising police vehicles including a car and a bus. They also set fire to the temporary reception room, control room, and furniture built in front of the MP Building for the July Charter Signing Ceremony.
The demonstrators angrily threatened the interim government, stating, "If we have to spill our blood again, the second administration will not survive either," referencing the fact that their sacrifices caused the previous autocratic regime to fall, only for a new group to assume power.
Security personnel, including the Army, police, RAB, BGB, and SWAT members, were deployed to clear Manik Mia Avenue. After several clashes, police restored normal traffic movement around 2:40pm.
Dispersed from the Parliament area, a group of protesters subsequently blocked the road in front of Rapa Plaza in Dhanmondi 27, causing long tailbacks.
The incident occurred just hours before the historic July National Charter signing ceremony at 4pm at the South Plaza of the Parliament Building, but the event – to be attended by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus – may be a bit late due to inclement weather, according to a notification by the CA Press Wing.
The term "July Fighters" refers to the students and general civilians who were on the front lines of the July Uprising in 2024. The martyrs of the uprising are recognised as "July martyrs", and the injured as "July Fighters".
The interim government had previously announced that the martyrs and injured would be provided with various benefits, including lifelong free medical treatment and allowances.
However, the recognition process has been marred by dissent, with recent allegations suggesting that many people who did not participate in the uprising remain on the official list of 13,800 injured individuals.
The government has since issued a warning, under the Welfare and Rehabilitation of Families of Martyrs of the July Uprising and July Fighters Ordinance, 2025, that offenders may face up to two years in prison and a fine of Tk2 lakh, or twice the amount of the benefit or financial assistance received, if found guilty."
