Dhaka, July 7, 2025: A group of recently dismissed Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel attempting to march from Shahbagh towards the official residence and office of the Interim Government’s Chief Adviser, “Jamuna,” were halted and dispersed by police at Kakrail on Monday afternoon.
Around 11:30 AM, the ex-BGB members assembled in front of the National Museum at Shahbagh and set out on foot with demands including reinstatement of their jobs and restoring the force’s former name, BDR.
By noon, they reached the vicinity of Kakrail Mosque, where the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) deployed water cannon, tear gas and baton charges to prevent their advance.
Eyewitnesses said several protesters were injured during the dispersal. Two of the wounded—Md. Shamsul Haque (55) and Md. Yunus Ali (57)—were admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for treatment.
Maruf Sarker, whose father is among the dismissed members, reported that police also fired tear gas canisters directly into the crowd and used batons to drive them back.
DMP Inspector (Operations) Atikul Islam explained that all forms of assemblies, marches or gatherings are prohibited around the Secretariat and the Chief Adviser’s residence at Jamuna.
“Despite clear orders banning any procession towards Jamuna and adjacent areas, they attempted to march, forcing police to intervene and break up the demonstration,” he said.
The dismissed personnel have been protesting since their termination under the previous government, demanding reinstatement, the return of their former BDR title, and other service‑related benefits.
Following today’s dispersal at Shahbagh, Fisheries Building Corner and Kakrail, small pockets of protesters remain stationed intermittently in those areas.
