Dhaka, Oct 18: Bangladeshi protestors, known as ‘July Joddha Sangsad’ (July fighters), have announced to block all highways across the country on Sunday, demanding state recognition of those killed in the July 2024 protests, recognition of injured as ‘July warriors’, and a specific roadmap for the rehabilitation of the families of the deceased and legal assistance for the wounded.
The July Charter was signed by the Chief Advisor to the interim government, Muhammad Yunus, members of the National Consensus Commission, and leaders of various political parties.
The group’s chief organizer, Masud Rana, announced the blockade following clashes between protestors and police near the Parliament complex, where they had staged a demonstration against the signing of the July Charter.
He accused the police of attacking their peaceful sit-in and claimed that violent clashes broke out between law enforcers and protesters at the Parliament premises just hours before the July Charter Signing ceremony, leaving several injured.
Inspector Faruk confirmed the development, stating that 36 people involved in the July protests were injured and admitted to the Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
Reports suggest that the military and police personnel blocked the protestors at the Parliament gate, triggering violence.
The police responded with a baton charge and fired three rounds of sound grenades to disperse the crowd.
Protesters retaliated by vandalizing police vehicles and setting fire to the temporary reception room, control room, and furniture installed outside the Parliament building for the July Charter Signing Ceremony.
The protestors warned the interim government that spilling blood again would not survive, citing the previous violent protests that led to the overthrow of the Awami League government. (IANS)
