On July 7, 2025, police in Dhaka’s Kakrail area used water cannons and tear gas to break up a protest by former Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) members. The demonstrators, dismissed following the 2009 Pilkhana mutiny, gathered to demand reinstatement, pension benefits, and the restoration of the BDR name. The protest, part of a broader movement that previously blocked Shahbagh intersection, turned chaotic as police intervened to clear the area.
The ex-BDR members, many of whom have been protesting since late June, argue they were unfairly dismissed after the 2009 incident, which left over 70 people dead, including army officers. They claim the mutiny was a conspiracy and seek rehabilitation for those they describe as “patriotic and upright” personnel. The group had announced a “Long March to Jamuna” but was stopped by authorities near Kakrail Mosque, leading to a tense standoff.
Eyewitnesses reported that the situation escalated around midday when protesters attempted to push past police barricades. Officers responded with force, deploying water cannons and tear gas to scatter the crowd. Several protesters sustained minor injuries, though no arrests were reported at the scene. The clash disrupted traffic in the area, adding to the challenges faced by commuters amid ongoing demonstrations across Dhaka, including the recent student-led “Bangla Blockade” over quota reforms.
The dismissed BDR members have vowed to continue their protests until their demands are met, calling on others to join their cause. The government has yet to respond publicly to the latest demonstration, but the use of force has raised concerns about the handling of peaceful assemblies. Southasiandesk.com will continue to monitor the situation as it develops.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, July 7th, 2025
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