Several members of the former Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) were reportedly injured in a clash with police when the protesters were heading towards the Secretariat, demanding the government reinstate them in their jobs.
Around 1pm, the dismissed BDR members gathered at the Shikkha Bhaban intersection and tried to march to the Secretariat holding banners and placards that read their demands.
But, police intercepted them, triggering a scuffle between them.
At one stage, the protesters took up position on the busy street, halting traffic movement for nearly an hour.
After some time, the protesters again tried to go to the Secretariat, forcing the police to use water cannons, tear gas and sound grenades to disperse them.
Later, the protesters moved to the Doel Chattar paving for vehicular movement.
Shahbagh police station Inspector Mazharul Islam said the violence occurred when they tried to disperse the protesters, but no casualties were reported.
Additional police personnel were deployed at the scene to avert further unexpected incidents, he added.
