Thousands of supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) gathered in large numbers on Monday to march toward Parliament, demanding action on their key political and social issues. The protest, which began peacefully, soon turned tense after demonstrators attempted to breach security barricades, leading to clashes with police.
As the crowd moved closer to the Parliament area, security personnel deployed in large numbers tried to stop the march. Protesters allegedly pushed through barricades and raised slogans, prompting police to use tear gas shells and lathi charges to disperse the gathering.
Several protesters were reportedly injured during the confrontation, while a number of police personnel also sustained minor injuries. Authorities detained multiple demonstrators to prevent the situation from escalating further.
To maintain law and order and curb the spread of misinformation, the administration temporarily suspended internet services in parts of the protest zone. Officials stated that the precautionary measure was taken to ensure public safety and prevent the circulation of unverified information.
Heavy security remains in place around Parliament and other key government buildings. Additional police forces and rapid action teams have been deployed, while traffic restrictions have caused significant disruptions in central areas of the city.
Leaders of the Cockroach Janta Party criticized the police action, alleging that peaceful protesters were met with excessive force. They vowed to continue their agitation until their demands are addressed by the government.
Meanwhile, government officials defended the security response, stating that the measures were necessary after protesters attempted to violate restricted zones near Parliament. They urged citizens to maintain peace and cooperate with law enforcement agencies.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as tensions remain high, with further demonstrations expected in the coming days.