Dhaka, Oct 17 (V7N) — Tension gripped the Parliament building area on Friday afternoon after police removed July fighters from the stage set up for the July Charter signing ceremony, leading to clashes and chaos in the vicinity.

Witnesses said that after being removed, the protesters regrouped on the road and set fire to a car, prompting a chase and counter-chase with law enforcement. Police resorted to lathicharge and tear gas to disperse the crowd. Several protesters were reportedly injured during the confrontation.

Earlier in the morning, the July fighters scaled the Parliament gates and took position in front of the stage, reiterating their three key demands — amending the July Charter, incorporating it permanently into the constitution, and formally recognizing July fighters in the charter.

In an attempt to defuse the situation, Professor Ali Riaz, Vice-Chairman of the National Consensus Commission, announced from the stage that the July fighters would indeed be recognized in the charter, urging them to leave the venue peacefully.

The July Charter signing ceremony involves the Chief Advisor of the interim government, members of the National Consensus Commission, and representatives of 30 political parties. However, the National Citizens Party (NCP) and four left-leaning parties have boycotted the event, calling the process “unrepresentative.”

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