Police used batons and water cannons to disperse students and job seekers marching from Shahbagh to the Secretariat in the capital.
Their protest was over the government's decision to raise the maximum age for entry into government service from 30 to 32 instead of 35 years.
Protesters gathered in front of the National Museum at Shahbagh on Wednesday morning, chanting slogans.
When they attempted to move toward the Secretariat, police deployed water cannons near the education building to control the crowd.
As tensions rose, officers resorted to baton charges to disperse the demonstrators.
Later, job seekers rallied at the foot of the Raju Sculpture on the Dhaka University campus, condemning the police response.
Saad Rahman, coordinator of the “35 Movement”, said: "We took our position at Shahbagh as per our pre-announced plan today (Wednesday). But the police suddenly attacked us, forcing us out of Shahbagh. When we gathered in front of the education building, the police struck again. Many of our brothers and sisters were injured and are now hospitalized. Did we liberate the country to see bloodshed?"
Another coordinator, Harunur Rashid, said: "We did not block the road. The police suddenly turned violent. Many of us studying at the National University take 26-27 years to complete our honors degrees. How are we supposed to get jobs? We were beaten, but we will continue to fight for our demands."
On October 24, the government announced the new 32-year age limit for entry into non-BCS government cadre positions, following demands for a maximum age of 35.
The decision, made at an Advisory Council meeting chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus, also applies to autonomous and semi-autonomous organizations. Candidates will continue to have three chances to sit for the BCS exam.
