Bangladesh: Police fire teargas to disperse protesters near Parliament

Bangladesh police on Friday fired teargas and used batons and sound grenades to disperse protesters gathered near the Parliament after they refused to vacate the area, amid uncertainty over the signing of a joint declaration called the July Charter. Hundreds of protesters had gathered in front of the stage made for the signing ceremony of the July Charter, demanding state recognition, legal protection and rehabilitation for those injured during the demonstrations that toppled then-prime minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League regime in August 2024, bdnews24.com reported.
The protesters reportedly entered the Parliament premises by scaling its main gates in the morning before gathering in front of the stage. When members of the security forces tried to prevent them, the protesters sat on chairs reserved for guests and began chanting slogans, the news portal said. Organisers tried unsuccessfully to calm the group and persuade them to leave peacefully. Ali Riaz, vice-chairman of the National Consensus Commission, then went on stage and apologised to the protesters, pledging to amend the charter to include their demands.Riaz then read out the revised text of Clause 5, saying: “This section recognises, promises, and commits to honouring the contributions of the July fighters -- ensuring state dignity, privileges, and legal protection and security.”