Dhaka: Police on Wednesday foiled the march of three leftist parties—Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), Ganatantrik Bam Morcha and Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal (BSD)—towards the secretariat protesting the recent gas price hike and demanding scrapping of the government decision.

Police lobbed tear gas canisters, fired rubber bullets and charged baton to disperse the protesters, leaving at least 50 leaders and activists of the three left‐leaning parties injured in front of the Jatiya Press Club in the city, said CPB central leader Rahim Hossain Prince.

He said police swooped on their joint rally while they were proceeding towards the secretariat to lay siege the Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry around 12:15pm demanding reduction in gas price, triggering a clash.

Nafis Kamal, Assistant Deputy Commissioner (ADC) of Ramna Zone, said the protesters carried out an attack on the water canons and armored personnel carriers and vandalised several private vehicles during the clash.

Some 20 police personnel also received minor injuries, Nafis said adding that they have brought the situation under control.

Meanwhile, the three leftist political parties announced to stage demonstrations across the country on Thursday protesting the police attack.

Earlier in the morning, the leaders and activists of the three parties thronged in front of the Jatiya Press Club to take part in their pre‐announced protest programme.