2024 Bangladesh Quota Reform Movement

The 2024 Bangladesh quota reform movement was an anti-government and pro-democracy protest in Bangladesh, spearheaded primarily by university students. Initially focused on restructuring discriminatory traditional and quota-based systems for government job recruitment, the movement expanded against what many perceive as an authoritarian government when hundreds of protestors and civilians, most of whom were students, were killed. The majority of the fatalities were caused by gunshots fired by the police and other government forces, using lethal and deadly weapons, against unarmed protestors and non-protesting civilians, including children and pedestrians.

The protest began in June 2024, in response to the Supreme Court of Bangladesh reinstating a 30% quota for descendants of freedom fighters, reversing the government decision made in response to the 2018 Bangladesh quota reform movement. Students began to feel like they have a limited opportunity based on merit. The protest, which initially began as a response to the reestablished quota system for government jobs, quickly spread throughout the entire country because of the government's violent response, as well as growing public dissatisfaction against an oppressive government. The situation was further complicated by many other ongoing issues, like the government's inability to manage a prolonged economic downturn, reports of rampant corruption and human rights violations, and the absence of democratic channels for initiating changes.

The government sought to suppress the protests by shutting down all educational institutions. They deployed their student wing, the Chhatra League, along with other factions of the Awami League party, such as the Jubo League and the Swechasebak League. These groups resorted to using firearms and sharp weapons against the demonstrators. The government then deployed Police, Rapid Action Battalion, border guards and Bangladesh Military, declaring a nationwide shoot-at-sight curfew amid an unprecedented government-ordered nationwide internet and mobile connectivity blackout that effectively isolated Bangladesh from the rest of the world. Later, the government also blocked social media in Bangladesh, including Facebook, TikTok, and WhatsApp. As of August 2, there were confirmed 215 deaths and more than 20,000 others injured, accompanied by more than 11,000 arrests in various parts of the country. The unofficial death toll is between 300 and 500. UNICEF reported that at least 32 children were killed during July's protests, with many more injured and detained. Determining the exact number of deaths has been difficult because the government reportedly restricted hospitals from sharing information with the media without police permission, hospital CCTV footage was confiscated, and numerous individuals with gunshot wounds were buried without identification.

The Awami League government and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have suggested that political opponents have co-opted the protest. As of August 2024, the movement remains ongoing as it has expanded its demands to include accountability for violence, a ban on the student wing of the government Chhatra League, and resignation of certain government officials, including the resignation of Prime Minister Hasina. The government's ongoing use of widespread violence against the general public has turned the student protest into a people's uprising known as the non-cooperation movement. The movement calls for nationwide civil disobedience and for Hasina and her cabinet to step down and take responsibility for the deaths. Despite this, the government denies that any protestors were killed by its security forces.

On 3 August, as a last resort to quell the protests, Sheikh Hasina proposed peaceful talks with the protesters, stating that her office was open and expressing a desire to "sit with the quota protesters and listen to them." However, central coordinator Nahid Islam announced that the protesters had no plans to negotiate with the government due to having endured torture while in police custody and having resorted to a hunger strike while detained by police and the Detective Branch. Asif Mahmud, another coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, stated, "There is no dialogue with bullets and terrorism." This marked the end of the movement.

On 4 August, thousands of protesters convened at Dhaka's Shahbag intersection in the morning, obstructing it as a form of civil disobedience to demand the resignation of the government. This was followed by hundreds of casualties. On next day, the protesters called for the Long March to Dhaka in defiance of a nationwide curfew to press Sheikh Hasina to resign.

Background

After the High Court ruled in favor of quotas on 5 June 2024, the students of various universities in Dhaka united to demand a quota reform movement. After the movement was initially started, it was postponed due to Eid al-Adha and summer holidays. After the holidays, the agitation started again peacefully but gradually became widespread. Initially, the students and teachers of many public universities and other educational institutions joined the movement. Later, the students of private universities also followed suit by joining the public demonstration. Under the banner of Anti-discrimination Students Movement ( bn, বৈষম্যবিরোধী ছাত্র আন্দোলন), students started the Bangla Blockade. During the movement, the Appellate Division issued a status quo for four weeks on 10 July, cancelling the freedom fighters' quota. Reacting to the court verdict, the students said they are seeking a final solution to the quota issue from the government, claiming the movement has nothing to do with the court. The protest also affected the domestic train and road transportation networks across Bangladesh.

Peaceful demonstrations by the students restarted on 1 July, while public university teachers declared a strike protesting the new Universal Pension Scheme, causing universities to close. Demonstrations spread nationwide as the movement became headed by a newly organised Anti-discrimination Students Movement, an umbrella organisation for the student protesters. On 7 July, protestors started the nationwide Bangla Blockade, organising traffic and rail obstruction with demonstrations in major cities and metropolises such as Dhaka, Chittagong, Comilla, Jessore, Rangpur, Rajshahi and Bogura. While the Appellate Division ordered a four-week status quo regarding the quota on 10 July, protesters continued to demand a solution from the government. Protests turned violent for the first time the next day as the police clashed with the students. On 14 July, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina made controversial remarks about the anti-quota protests, escalating the situation and raising the public's anger. On 15 July, the ruling Awami League solidified its stance against the demonstrations, and the protestors met first violent suppression from the Chhatra League leaving several hundred injured. In response to the Chhatra League attacks, student protesters at Rajshahi University vandalized halls, targeting the room of the President of RU Chhatra League and other members associated with the group. The protesters in Dhaka University removed Chhatra League members from 11 different halls and declared a ban on the pro-quota student organization. At other universities across the country, students expelled Chhatra League members from their campuses, with some members in Chittagong even being thrown from high rooftops by angry protesters during clashes. These actions led to many campuses independently declaring themselves "Chhatra League Free".

Demands

The Anti-discrimination Students' Movement put forward the following demands to the government:
* Cancellation of the existing quota system for government jobs.
* Provision of the quota at fair rates to minority groups and disabled people.
* Passing a new law in the parliament which establishes a new quota system for a maximum of 5% of total jobs.

In response to the violent protests involving members of the Chhatra League and police forces, the Anti-discrimination Students' Movement issued a revised nine-point demand. The demands include:
# Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina should publicly apologize, and take responsibility for the deaths of students during the protests.
# Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader should resign from their cabinet positions and party roles for their alleged roles in using law enforcement and Chhatra League to carry out violence against the protesters.
# Deputy inspectors general of police, police commissioners, and superintendents of police in the areas where student casualties occurred must be dismissed from their posts.
# The vice-chancellors and proctors of Dhaka University, Jahangirnagar University, and Rajshahi University must resign due to their inadequate response to the violence against students.
# There should be a nationwide ban on the Chhatra League's student wing in all educational institutions in Bangladesh.
# Policemen, law enforcement officers, army/military officials and any individuals involved in the attacks should be arrested and held accountable according to the laws.
# Financial compensation should be provided to the families of students who were killed or injured during the protests.
# All educational institutions and student residential halls should be reopened immediately.
# Law enforcement officers, including armed forces and other security personnel, should be withdrawn from all educational institutions to ensure a peaceful environment.

Revised one-point demand

Nahid Islam, a key coordinator of the Anti-discrimination Students Movement, announced a non-Cooperation Movement and that from 3 August, the movement's sole demand will be the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her cabinet. He announced it in a mass rally held at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka.

Timeline

Early phase (5 June – 9 July)

On 5 June, the High Court reestablished the job quota that reserves 30% of the civil service posts for the children and grandchildren of freedom fighters in the Bangladesh Liberation War.

Six universities performed peaceful protests against the quota ruling.

The protests calmed down because of the Eid ul Adha celebrations, but they soon restarted after the break.

On 7 July, students staged a blockade, and demanded the rescinding of the quota.

Bangla Blockade and Chhatra League attacks (10–17 July)

10 July

At approximately 11:00 a.m. in the University of Dhaka, a protest march commenced in front of the library, passed by the Raju Memorial Sculpture, and culminated in the blockage of the Shahbagh intersection. Members of the law and order forces positioned barricades in front of the students. In the afternoon, it is known that the status quo has been given for four weeks in the ruling given by the High Court cancelling the quota system. The Chief Justice asked the students to go back. Dhaka's transport system came to a standstill due to the blockade in various parts of Dhaka. Long-distance buses and trains were stopped due to the agitation.

Police attacked protesting students of Comilla University.

11 July

The blockade in Shahbagh was supposed to start from 03:00 p.m. but due to rain, the students crossed the police barricade on their way to Shahbagh and started later at 04:30 p.m. Dhaka College students retreated due to police barricades and Dhaka University students joined the students of Jagannath University at Shahbagh. Apart from Shahbagh, other places in Dhaka were unaffected by the movement. At 09:00 p.m., the students ended their agitation and announced a protest march and rally on 12 July to protest the violent police attack on them.

12 July

At 05:00 p.m., students gathered at Shahbagh and staged a blockade in the area.

While students were protesting at Comilla Victoria College, a group of Chhatra League members launched an attack on the protesters. During the situation, a student who was recording a video was taken to a hall and beaten by the Chhatra League members.

13 July

Students protested by blocking the railway tracks in Rajshahi. In Dhaka, DU students held a press conference in the evening, where they complained that attempts were being made to block the students' movement with lawsuits.

14 July

Students marched in Dhaka and held a sit-in protest and blockade, later submitting a memorandum to President Mohammed Sahabuddin.

In response to the controversial statement made by the Prime Minister of Bangladesh during a press conference, where she reportedly referred to students protesting the quota reform movement as the children of Razakars (traitors in the 1971 Independence War), students organized a midnight demonstration at the Dhaka University campus area ''(See the section)''. Female students from Rokeya Hall joined the protest by breaking the lock put up by the authorities at the dorm gate.

The government instructed operators to shut down the 4G network in the University of Dhaka area. At around 11:30 p.m., leaders and members of the Bangladesh Chhatra League attacked protesters at the University of Chittagong injuring 13 protesters.

15 July

The attacks against the protesters began soon after the ruling Awami League general secretary said on Monday that the Bangladesh Chhatra League, the student wing of the ruling party, was ready to give a fitting reply to quota protesters for their 'arrogant behaviour.'

In Jessore at around 12:00 p.m., students from Jessore University of Science and Technology and Michael Madhusudan College staged a protest, where a member of the Chhatra League attacked and injured a protester.

In Dhaka, Members of the Chhatra League started their procession to Shahbagh from Segunbagicha near Motsho Bhobon at around 03:45 p.m.

Later in the evening, Chhatra League members attacked students inside Bijoy Ekattor Hall of Dhaka University, where some of the attackers were seen shooting with pistols and carrying sticks. In response, the protesters also threw brickbats from the inside of the hall to retaliate. While covering the protest in the University of Dhaka, two journalists from '' The Daily Star'' and ''Prothom Alo'' were assaulted and injured in the attack carried out by the Chhatra League.

At 5:30 p.m., members of the Chhatra League attempted to attack the emergency department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where over 200 students injured in the clashes were seeking treatment. After several attempts throughout the afternoon, Chhatra League members, some wearing helmets, forcibly entered DMCH around 7:30 p.m. and initiated an attack. Many were observed carrying rods. They targeted students already injured in the quota reform movement and vandalized several ambulances parked at DMCH.

Later the same evening, an attack carried out by the Chhatra League Rajshahi branch at Rajshahi University left six students injured, including the joint convenor of the Bangladesh Students Union at RU.

In Comilla, The CoU coordinator of the anti-discrimination student movement was assaulted at around 8:00 p.m. when eight Chhatra League members called him to check his phone and beat him.

The protesters called for nation-wide demonstrations and rallies in all educational institutions of the country at 03:00 p.m. on 16 July.

16 July

At around 12:15 a.m., members of the Chhatra League attacked Jahangirnagar University students using firearms. The students took shelter at the vice-chancellor's residence after breaking its lock. Around 300 Chhatra League members, armed with galvanised pipes and sticks, threw bricks and glass bottles at the students. Shots were reportedly fired, injuring two journalists, including one from ''Dhaka Tribune'' and over 50 student protesters.

Police arrived to control the situation, while both groups positioned themselves outside the vice-chancellor's residence. Students claimed the attackers included outsiders, some in their forties. Later on, the sub-inspector of the Ashulia Police Department instead decided to blame the students by stating that the protesters are to blame for causing "this mayhem".

A violent incident involving police and students demanding quota reforms took place in front of Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur between 2:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Police resorted to lathi charges and firing during the incident. Abu Sayed, a Begum Rokeya University student and quota reform activist, was shot four times by a police officer. He was taken to Rangapur Medical College Hospital where the doctors pronounced him dead on arrival.

At around 3:30 p.m., it was reported that in the Farmgate–Khamarbari area, Chhatra League assailants attacked protestors with sticks. When the protestors took shelter in the Farmgate metro station, the assailants entered and started to beat the students, which was witnessed by the passengers. Police were allegedly deployed to control the situation. However, DMTCL, the authority responsible for the operation for the Dhaka Metro Rail, denied these claims and stated that guards of the station drove the "miscreants" away as they entered with bamboo sticks. They also stated that there was no damage to the station. However, they announced plans to close some of the gates of the station complex for some time to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.

As students at public universities were forcefully vacated, students from various schools, colleges, and private universities joined the cause. They protested and blocked roads against the violence of the Chhatra League in the quota reform movement, including Notre Dame College, Dhaka Residential Model College, RAJUK Uttara Model College, Adamjee Cantonment College, Viqarunnisa Noon School and College, Ideal School and College, Ideal College, Dhaka City College, BAF Shaheen College Dhaka, BAF Shaheen College Kurmitola, Birshrestha Noor Mohammad Public College, Birshrestha Munshi Abdur Rauf Public College and so on.

Students of North South University, Independent University Bangladesh and BRAC University protested at and around their respective premises areas at Bashundhara Residential Area and Merul Badda with the blockade set up by the students extending up to Baridhara, the streets in front of the Jamuna Future Park mall, the largest mall in the country, Notun Bazar, Badda, and Kuril, causing gridlock to its neighboring areas as well, including Rampura, Banasree, Badda Link Road and Abul Hotel area in Malibagh.

Students of Primeasia University blocked the Banani area. Students of Notre Dame College protested in the country's main financial hub and the largest central business district of Motijheel at Shapla Square. Students of Daffodil International University also made an attempt to start a demonstration at the road, but instead protested on-campus. Students of other universities and colleges also joined the protests. Protests also took place in Dhanmondi, specifically in front of the Science Laboratory area and in Uttara. Gridlocks were also experienced at places like Mohammadpur, Dhanmondi, Mirpur Road, and Gabtoli.

Students blocked railway lines in Chattogram and Mohakhali. The Dhaka–Chattogram, Dhaka–Barisal, Dhaka–Rajshahi and Dhaka–Tangail highways were also blocked.

In the evening, the Ministry of Education announced the indefinite closure of schools and colleges and the postponing of the HSC exam scheduled for 18 July.

The UGC declared that all public and private universities across the country will remain closed until further notice. At the same time, all affiliated medical, textile, engineering and other colleges will also remain closed. The commission also directed university authorities to vacate residential halls allegedly considering safety of the students.

In remembrance of the fallen, the movement announced a symbolic funeral prayer scheduled for July 17.

17 July

Clashes erupted with police after the funeral prayer program organized by the student protesters, BNP and other parties to honor six individuals killed on 16 July for the quota reform movement.

The government ordered all students to vacate the residential halls. The protestors rejected the order, to which the authorities deployed police to evacuate the halls. Students who blocked the Dhaka-Barisal highway announced a total shutdown for 18 July, allowing only emergency services, to protest police violence, demand justice for the deceased, and call for a terror-free campus.

PM Sheikh Hasina addressed the nation at 7:30 p.m., where she announced a judicial probe into the deaths during the anti-quota protests and urged patience until the Supreme Court delivers its verdict, emphasizing justice for the students and condemning the violence.

Students at the university erected the Shaheed Smriti Stambha, a memorial pillar to honor the memory of the dead students.

Complete Shutdown (18–19 July)

18 July

In the morning police clashed with BRAC University students on the streets of Badda. Police also charged batons and fired tear gas canisters at the students and lobedb tear gas shells at the BRACU campus. The Mirpur-10 station of the Dhaka Metro was closed for arson at a foot-overbridge beneath it. Reports indicated that approximately 30 students were killed by the Bangladesh police.

Minister of Law Anisul Haque urged the students to withdraw their movement.

The Bangladesh Police, RAB, Bangladesh Bank, Bangladesh Prime Minister's Office and Bangladesh Chhatra League's official website was hacked by a pro-protester group as a response to the violence and attacks carried out by the police and the Chhatra League.

Metro rail services in the capital were suspended, and at around 9 p.m., the government shut down internet access across the entire country.

A second-year student from the Department of Chemical Engineering and Polymer Science at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology drowned while attempting to cross a canal with friends. The incident occurred during a police chase amid clashes between students, police and Chhatra League members.

19 July

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police, in an attempt to hinder the students' protests, announced the indefinite suspension of public gatherings and processions. The Bangladesh Railway authorities, on orders from higher-ups in the government, directed train services between Dhaka and the rest of the country to shut down to prevent quota reform protestors from using trains to travel or form gatherings, according to several unnamed railway supervisors speaking with Prothom Alo. The nationwide shutdown of Internet access begun on 18 July continued into 19 July.

Throughout the country, calls for quota reform protests largely continued. Around 10:00 a.m., teachers at Rajshahi University of Engineering & Technology wore black face coverings in protest. At approximately 12:45 p.m., after protesters in Kishoreganj District's Bhairab Thana surrounded the police station, police fired into the crowd from within the station, injuring over a hundred students.

Some clashes with the police also took place elsewhere, including in Uttara, Mohammadpur, and Badda thanas of Dhaka. The Mirpur 10 and Kazipara metro stations were vandalised, causing extensive damages worth .

In Narsingdi, quota reform protesters stormed a prison and released hundreds of inmates before setting the facility on fire.

The government imposed a curfew at midnight and deployed troops nationwide.

Negotiations and Supreme Court verdict (19–22 July)

After the deadly Shutdown, the Anti-discrimination Students' Movement and the government started negotiations on 19 July night. At midnight, a meeting took place between three government representatives and three representatives of the protesters: Sarjis Alam, Hasnat Abdullah, and Tanvir Ahmed. Notably, Sarjis Alam was a member of the Chhatra League and participated in the 2019 DUCSU election as a candidate from the Chhatra League.

During the negotiations, at midnight of 20 July, Nahid Islam, a quota reform movement coordinator, was allegedly taken from a friend's house in Nandipara, according to his father. After being released on 21 July, Nahid reported being blindfolded, handcuffed, and tortured before regaining consciousness in Purbachal.

On 21 July, the Appellate division of the Supreme Court finally reduced the percentage of quotas from 56% to 7%.

Suspensions (23–28 July)

Following the verdict on July 22, the Anti-discrimination Students' Movement announced a two-day suspension of protests. They demanded that the government lift the curfew, restore internet access, and cease targeting student protesters. With the suspension of the protests by the Anti-discrimination Students' Movement, no further violence was reported by this period. The organization later further extended the suspension. But mass detentions were continued by the law enforcement agencies.

On 26 July, police detained three coordinators of the Anti-discrimination Students' Movement from the hospital, namely Nahid Islam, Abu Bakar Mazumdar and Asif Mahmud. The Home Minister claimed their detention to be for their own security and investigation purposes. The later day, two more coordinators of the organization–Sarjis Alam and Hasnat Abdullah–were detained. The Additional Deputy Commissioner of the Detective Branch Junaed Alam Sarker and stated that they were detained for interrogation about their alleged connection with the opposition Jamaat-e-Islami and Gono Odhikar Parishad Member-Secretary Nurul Haq Nur. In response, the organization threatened to resume their protests from 29 July if the three were not released, while also demanding action against ministers and police officers over the deaths of the protesters.

Meanwhile, the government relaxed the curfew restrictions day by day, allowing banks, factories and offices to reopen gradually.

On 23 July, the ICT Minister announced that the government would restore broadband internet service partially to banks, business organizations, export sectors, and selected areas after a five-day disruption. Accordingly, on 24 July, broadband internet services were restored, and on 28 July, mobile internet was restored in Bangladesh, although social media websites like Facebook, Instagram and TikTok continued to be blocked.

On 28 July, six protest coordinators of the Anti-discrimination Students' Movement, who had been taken into custody by the Detective Branch, issued a statement from the DB office announcing the withdrawal of the protests. However, other coordinators of the same organisation alleged that these individuals had been coerced by the DB into making the statement. The remaining coordinators vowed to continue their protest, with or without the support of the six individuals.

Resumption (29 July – 2 August)

29 July

Protesters resumed large-scale demonstrations across various regions of the country after the government ignored an ultimatum to release their leaders. Police arrested 2,822 students in Dhaka.

University professors across Bangladesh, under the "Anti-Repression Teachers Rally" banner, have called for an end to student harassment and mass arrests. They demanded the release of detained students and expressed solidarity with ongoing student protests. The rally, held at Dhaka University's Aparajeyo Bangla on July 29, 2024, began with a moment of silence for students killed in the recent quota reform movement, which the teachers labeled the "July Massacre."

30 July

A cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on 29 July declared that nationwide mourning will be observed on 30 July to honor those killed during the quota reform movement. While Awami League leaders posted black profile pictures on Facebook, many users in Bangladesh chose red, rejecting the official mourning as a farce and declaring they will mourn only when justice is served for the dead students.

At a press conference held at the Dhaka Reporters Unity, several prominent citizens, including Iftekharuzzaman, executive director of Transparency International Bangladesh; Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Chief Executive of the Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA); and Asif Nazrul, Professor of Law at University of Dhaka, issued a 24-hour ultimatum for the unconditional release of the six coordinators of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement currently in Detective Branch (DB) custody.

31 July

On 31 July, the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement organized a nationwide protest named "March for Justice" in response to the series of killings, mass arrests, attacks, lawsuits, enforced disappearances, and murders of students and citizens. Abdul Hannan Masud, one of the coordinators of the movement, confirmed the event. The protest was scheduled to take place at 12:00 across court premises, campuses, and streets nationwide, advocating for nine specific demands of the students. The movement sought the support and cooperation of teachers, lawyers, human rights activists, professionals, workers, and citizens.

At 11:20, students from Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) and other educational institutions in Sylhet marched from the university gate towards Court Point in support of the protest.

By 11:00, protesters began assembling at the Chattogram Court premises. Despite police barricades, around 200 protesters entered the premises and staged a sit-in. A group of 50 to 60 pro-BNP lawyers stood in solidarity with the students, while pro-Awami League lawyers conducted a counter-march. The protest in Chattogram concluded around 15:15 with a march from the court premises to the New Market intersection.

Around 13:15, students from BUET, the University of Dhaka, and several other universities marched towards the High Court. Their progress was halted by the police near the Bangladesh Shishu Academy, resulting in the detention of several students. In response, the students gathered at Doel Square, later joined by teachers from Dhaka University's White Panel. The protest in Dhaka ended around 15:00 after nearly three hours of demonstration.

From 12:20 to 13:00, University of Rajshahi students blocked the Dhaka-Rajshahi Highway as part of the protest. Police detained five students from the university during the demonstration.

At 15:00, after being shut down for 13 days, Facebook, WhatsApp and other social media platforms were reopened.

1 August

In memory of those killed, injured, and tortured by police during the 2024 quota reform movement, the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement announced a nationwide program titled "Remembering the Heroes" on 1 August. This announcement was made in a press release signed by Rifat Rashid, one of the co-coordinators of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, on 31 July. Additionally, he called for online and offline campaigns in support of the movement and in memory of the martyrs, using the hashtags ''JulyMassacre'' and ''RememberingOurHeroes'' on social media platforms.

At 12:30 p.m., teachers and students of Jahangirnagar University held a protest song rally and cultural gathering to protest the attacks on Dhaka University teachers, the mass arrests of protesting students and citizens, and the harassment through false cases. In solidarity with the movement, twelve teachers from the Daffodil International University also participated in the JU event.

After the 24-hour ultimatum for the unconditional release of the six coordinators of the quota reform movement expired, several prominent citizens, including Iftekharuzzaman, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, and Asif Nazrul, announced that they would go to the DB office on the afternoon of August 1.

The government banned the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, its student wing, the Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir and its associated bodies citing anti-terrorism laws following their involvement in the protests. So far, 274 cases have been filed against students in various police stations in Dhaka Metropolitan. In these cases, up to the morning of 1 August, 3,011 students have been arrested by the Dhaka Metropolitan Police.

The police released six student leaders as the government looked to calm tensions and forestall fresh demonstrations. Upon being released from the DB office, several coordinators announced that they would continue the movement and shared their statements on social media.

In Narayanganj, the Candlelight Vigil program organized in support of "Remembering the Heroes" was disrupted by police intervention. During this time, the police baton-charged the students, injuring at least ten.

2 August

The protesters sought justice for victims affected by the unrest and police crackdown following the release of student leaders. This release did not alleviate public anger, leading to renewed protests. Demonstrators demanded the reopening of schools and universities across the country and, called for Sheikh Hasina's resignation. Clashes occurred as police fired rubber bullets, tear gas shells, and sound grenades in several locations, including Uttara, Khulna, Sylhet, and Habiganj. One police officer was beaten to death by protesters in Khulna, while one civilian died in Habiganj.

Due to the renewed unrests, internet service providers again restricted access to Facebook, WhatsApp, and Telegram. After five hours of restriction, access to Facebook and Messenger were reopened; however Telegram remained restricted.

On the same day, the six coordinators, previously detained by the Detective Branch, said they were coerced into issuing a retraction of their support for the movement, alleging that the statement was obtained under duress for national broadcast.

Following the ongoing violence and sabotage incidents centered around the quota reform movement, 78 HSC candidates arrested in related cases were granted bail from various courts nationwide. Among them, 55 were from the Dhaka Division, 14 from the Chittagong Division, six from the Khulna Division, and three from the Rangpur Division.

UNICEF expressed concern over the deaths of at least 32 children during the protest crackdown. Sanjay Wijesekera, UNICEF Regional Director for South Asia, urged swift measures to ensure the children can return to school.

End of the movement

3 August

In the early hours of the day, an injured person died while receiving treatment.

As a last resort to quell the protests, Sheikh Hasina proposed peaceful talks with the protesters, stating that her office was open and expressing a desire to "sit with the quota protesters and listen to them." However, central coordinator Nahid Islam announced that the protesters had no plans to negotiate with the government. He added that they had endured torture while in police custody and had resorted to a hunger strike while detained by police and the Detective Branch. Asif Mahmud, another coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, stated, "There is no dialogue with bullets and terrorism."

Around 10:30 a.m., students from various educational institutions in Rajshahi marched and gathered in front of the Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (RUET), chanting slogans. The students took to the streets demanding the resignation of Sheikh Hasina.

Students and ordinary people gathered at the Central Shaheed Minar area with protest marches from different parts of the capital, At around 5:30 p.m., Nahid Islam, one of the coordinators, addressed the assembled crowd at Shaheed Minar. where the Anti-discrimination Students Movement announced a single demand for the resignation of Sheikh Hasina and her cabinet and called for a comprehensive non-cooperation movement from 4 August, which marked the end of the quota protests.

The court granted bail to Arif Sohel, a coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, who remained in jail despite the secision.

In Chittagong, there was an attack on the residence of Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury. During this incident, two cars parked in front of the house were vandalized, and one of them was set on fire. Earlier, around 5:30 p.m., there was also an attack on the office of Md Mohiuddin Bacchu, the Member of Parliament for Chittagong-10, located in the Lalkhan Bazar. The office was set on fire during the attack. In another incident in Sreepur, Gazipur one person was killed during clashes between police and protesting students.

In Rangpur, two police officers were temporarily suspended in connection with the death of Abu Sayed on 16 July. The two officers are ASI Amir Hossain of Rangpur Police Lines and Constable Sujan Chandra Roy of Tajhat Police Station.

During an anti-discrimination student movement in Sylhet, clashes occurred between the police and the students along with the public. Initial reports indicated that over a hundred people were injured in the conflict.

At around 1:30 p.m. in Race Course, Comilla, leaders and activists of the Chhatra League, Jubo League, and Swechchhasebak League attacked a mass rally of anti-discrimination student movement protesters. During the attack, they fired openly at the students, resulting in 10 students being shot and a total of 30 people being injured.

In Bogra, there were repeated clashes between protesting students and the police. From 4 p.m. to around 6 p.m., these confrontations lasted nearly two hours. During the conflict, the police fired tear gas shells, sound grenades, rubber bullets, and shotgun rounds. Several areas of the city, including Satmatha, Circuit House Mor, Romena Afaz Road, Kalibari Mor, Bir Muktijoddha Rezaul Baki Road, and Jailkhana Mor, turned into battlegrounds. At least six students were shot, and an additional 50 students were injured.

Post movement

Razakar remarks

On 14 July, during a press conference, Sheikh Hasina responded to a question about the anti-quota protests stating,

Razakars were a Bengali paramilitary force during the Bangladesh Liberation War which collaborated with the Pakistani forces to halt the independence of Bangladesh. In modern-day Bangladesh, the term ''razakar'' is used as a pejorative, meaning "traitor" or "collaborator", similar to the usage of " Quisling" in the Western World. Using the term razakar can be highly insulting in Bangladesh.

In response to Sheikh Hasina's comment, in the early hours of 15 July, students began using new slogans out of anger such as "তুমি কে, আমি কে? রাজাকার, রাজাকার! কে বলেছে, কে বলেছে? স্বৈরাচার, স্বৈরাচার!" (), "এক, দুই, তিন, চার, আমরা হলাম রাজাকার" (lit. 'One, two, three, four, we are all Rajakars'), and "চাইতে গেলাম অধিকার, হয়ে গেলাম রাজাকার!" () protesters argued that the Prime Minister's statement indirectly labelled them as "Razakars" and demeaned them for advocating for quota reform, which led them to adopt the slogan.

The Bangladesh Chhatra League, the student wing of the ruling party Awami League, threatened that any protester using these slogans would face consequences, as they viewed these actions as something offensive to the spirit of the liberation war and freedom fighters. It also announced plans to take action if the usage of these slogans continued. Social Welfare Minister Dipu Moni stated that the student protesters who call themselves "Razakars" should not have the right to hold the flag of Bangladesh. In light of these events, Sheikh Hasina questioned the education of the protesters.

Supreme Court verdict

With the deterioration of the law and order situation in the country, Minister of Law Anisul Haque conferred with the Attorney General AM Amin Uddin about appealing to the court for a hearing of the case on July 21.

On the same day, the Appellate Division of Supreme Court ordered an overhaul to the quota reservation system. It ordered 93% recruitment in government jobs to be based on merit and 5% to be reserved for the children of freedom fighters, martyred freedom fighters and '' Biranganas'', 1% for the ethnic minorities and 1% for the third gender and the disabled people with immediate effect. Accordingly, on 23 July, the Ministry of Public Administration published a gazette notification in line with the Supreme Court verdict. In the post-gazette news conference, Anisul Huq said the new quota system will be followed while recruiting employees directly in all government, semi-government, autonomous and semi-autonomous institutions, statutory bodies and different corporations.

Despite the ruling, student protesters pledged to continue demonstrating for other demands such as the release of people imprisoned during the protests and the resignations of officials deemed responsible for the violence that occurred with it.

Casualties and damage

Casualties

As of 29 July 2024, more than 266 fatalities have been reported nationwide due to the attacks and violence carried out by Chhatra League, Bangladesh Police, RAB, BGB and Army. According to UNICEF, at least 32 children died during the protest crackdown surrounding the protests and unrests in July.

During Bangla Blockade

Six people were reported killed on 17 July: Md. Shahjahan, a 25-year-old hawker from the New Market area; Md. Farooq, a 32-year-old employee of a furniture shop; Md. Wasim Akram, a 22-year-old student of the Sociology Department at Chittagong College and an activist of Chatra Dal; Faisal Ahmed Shanto, a 24-year-old student of Omargani M.E.S. College; Sabuj Ali, a 25-year-old member of the Chhatra League and a student of Dhaka College; and most notably, Abu Sayed, a 25-year-old student of the Department of English at Begum Rokeya University.

During Complete Shutdown

At least eleven people were reported killed on 18 July, of which only three of which have had their names released: Siyam, an 18-year old worker at a battery shop in Gulistan; Dipta Dey, a 21-year-old second year student of Madaripur Government College; and Farhan Faiyaz, a 17-year-old student of Dhaka Residential Model College.

Another four were killed in a clash between the police at Uttara, including two students of Northern University, while one was killed in Narsingdi in a clash between police and students.

Damage

The movement resulted in huge damage of various state properties in Bangladesh. According to a report by Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, at least thirty major state establishments experienced arson and severe damage. The state broadcaster, Bangladesh Television (BTV), was attacked and set on fire on 18 July 2024. The building suffered extensive damage, with several sections completely burnt. Sheikh Hasina visited the site and expressed deep sorrow over the incident. A major data center in Dhaka was set on fire, causing severe disruptions to internet and telecom services across the country and the loss of 70–80% of the country's bandwidth. Arsons also occurred in the toll stations of Dhaka Elevated Expressway and Mayor Mohammed Hanif Flyover, and two Dhaka Metro stations, including the Mirpur-10 station. Footage of Sheikh Hasina visiting the station and shedding tears on 25 July was criticised on social media, with users accusing her of failing to react similarly to the loss of life during the protests.

According to Bangladesh Police, 235 police infrastructures and 281 vehicles were vandalized and set on fire. On 19 July, a violent attack on Narsingdi District Jail resulted in a massive jailbreak. Armed assailants, allegedly linked to Jamaat-e-Islami and BNP by the government, stormed the prison, set fires, and broke open cell locks, allowing 826 prisoners, including nine militants, to escape. The attackers looted weapons, ammunition, and food supplies while causing extensive damage to the facility. Several prison guards were killed during the attack, and the attackers fled with the escaped prisoners.

The protests and countrywide curfew impacted negatively on the economy of Bangladesh, producing losses amounting to more than $1.2 billion. Among the industries greatly affected were ready-made garments, steelmaking, pharmaceuticals, ceramics and outsourcing and e-commerce.

it reported Hindus fleeing the country over ongoing violence and Students protesters had protected Hindu community during tension on communities.On 7 August they formed protective rings around the Hindu temples.

Mass arrests and detentions

The Bangladesh Police including Detective Branch (DB) and RAB arrested a large number of student protesters and members of opposition political parties. As of July 30, the total count reaching over 9600. On 23 July, plainclothes police arrest a non-protester HSC examinee after failing to find his elder brother. On 26 July, plainclothes police officers detained three protest coordinators, namely Nahid Islam, Asif Mahmud and Abu Baker Majumder from Gonoshasthaya Kendra hospital. The three were receiving medical treatment for injuries they received from alleged beatings and torture while in prior police custody. On 27 July, DB detained protest coordinators Sarjis Alam and Hasnat Abdullah. On July 28, plainclothes police detained two more protest coordinators, namely Nusrat Tabassum and Arif Shohel. These detained coordinators but Arif Shohel are the one who issued a statement from the DB office announcing the withdrawal of the protests. However, other coordinators of the Anti-discrimination Students' Movement alleged that these individuals had been coerced by the DB into making the statement. The remaining coordinators announced to continue their protest. After missing for days Arif Shohel and Asif Mahtab, a former teacher of BRAC University placed six-day remand each. On July 29, police arrested at least 34 protesters including coordinators.

On July 20, Nurul Haq Nur, associated with the 2018 Bangladesh quota reform movement, was arrested by police on charges of involvement in the 18 July arson attack on Setu Bhaban, although there were claims he was not involved. Some observers viewed the arrest as politically motivated. Bangladeshi law mandates that an arrested person must be presented in court within 24 hours; failure to do so is considered an enforced disappearance. According to Nur's wife, he was unaccounted for 40 hours before being brought to court, raising questions about the legality of his detention. She also alleged that Nur was tortured by law enforcers while in remand.

On 27 July, Hasanatul Islam Faiaz, a 17-year-old, was presented in a lower court in Dhaka and placed on a seven-day remand. He was the 16th of 17 individuals charged in connection with the killing of a police officer near Matuail Hospital during the protests. The charges included murder, concealment of the body, and theft of the officer's motorcycle. Although the case file listed Faiaz's age as 19, his birth certificate confirmed he was 17, born on 19 April 2007. On July 28, the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court Judge Tahmina Haque canceled the remand order following an appeal, citing the incorrect age in the case file which violates UNCRC.

Use of UN-marked vehicles

Bangladesh Armed Forces used United Nations marked vehicles including APCs during a curfew imposed by the government. Spokesperson of the UN secretary general, Stéphane Dujarric expressed concern over reports of UN-marked vehicles being used during the protests and stated that such vehicles should only be used for official UN peacekeeping or political missions, adding that he had raised the issue to the Bangladeshi government. As of 1 August 2024, the United Nations continues to engage with the Bangladesh Army for its peacekeeping missions, with Bangladesh contributing the third-largest number of troops globally, totaling 5,614 personnel. This engagement persists despite ongoing concerns and reports regarding the country's governance practices. On 24 June, Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud told reporters that some vehicles were "rented to the UN peace mission" and the authorities had forgotten to remove the logos. It is speculated that Bangladesh and its military may face potential sanctions from the Western countries and scrutiny from the International Criminal Court for deploying UN-marked vehicles to target unarmed protesters.

Reactions

Domestic

Support

Bangladesh's largest opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, denounced the Chhatra League attacks on the protesters. The Left Democratic Alliance also denounced the suppressions saying, "the government is delivering provocative speeches instead of recognizing logical changes in the quota system."

Thirty eminent citizens of the country condemned the loss of lives in violent clashes during the protests. Non-governmental organization Transparency International Bangladesh also denounced the suppressions.

Additionally, the US Embassy in Bangladesh issued an alert for its citizens living in the country to avoid demonstrations and exercise caution in the vicinity of any large gatherings. The embassy was later closed due to the escalating situation. On 23 July, the Malaysian government repatriated 123 of its nationals following the violence.

Oppose

Muhammad Zafar Iqbal, a renowned Bangladeshi litterateur and former professor at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, remarked that he would not like to visit Dhaka University again, claiming he would see the "Razakars" in the students. This statement sparked immense outrage and controversy among the supporters and the participants in the quota reform movement. Many online bookshops, including Rokomari.com, announced they would no longer sell or promote his literary works, removing his books from their websites. Similarly, students of the university declared him a ''persona non grata''.

International

* : State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller condemned the attacks on protesters by the Chhatra League. However, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh, Saheli Sabrin, called Miller's remarks "unsubstantiated claims". Congressman Andy Kim condemned the violence by the government against the student protestors.
* : The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office stated its concerns about the violence following protests and urged both sides to "end the violence and find a peaceful way forward".
* : The Chinese Foreign Ministry stated on August 1 that the situation in Bangladesh has stabilized and social order has resumed, expressing satisfaction as a "close neighbor" following the recent protests and casualties.
* : Minister of External Affairs, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said he was closely following the situation in Bangladesh. In its official press briefing, the Ministry of External Affairs described the events as Bangladesh's 'internal matter' and expressed the Indian government's commitment to protect Indian citizens living in Bangladesh.
* : Secretary General António Guterres expressed his concerns and urged the government to ensure a conducive environment for dialogue and encouraged protesters to engage in dialogue to resolve the deadlock. His spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric expressed concern over reports of UN-marked vehicles being used during the protests and stated that such vehicles should only be used for official UN peacekeeping or political missions, adding that he had raised the issue to the Bangladeshi government. United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk urged the government to engage with student protesters and to stop the violence. As of 1 August 2024, in spite of widespread proof of anti democratic, dictatorial and authoritarian practices, United Nations persists to engage with Bangladesh Military for it's peace keeping missions with the third most number of troops contributed in the world, 5614 personnel.
* : A foreign ministry spokesperson emphasises that it is important that Bangladesh remain democratic amid the unrest in the country.
* : Ambassador to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley stated that he "wants to see a quick resolution of present situation" and urges the government for "avoidance of further violence and bloodshed". EU Foreign Policy chief Josep Borrell condemned the "excessive use of force" against protesters and called for accountability and respect for human rights. He emphasized the need for an investigation into the deaths, arrests, and property damage.

Organisations

Human Rights Watch urged the Bangladeshi government to end the crisis, punish those committing serious crimes, and protect protesting students. They also called for increased scrutiny of Bangladeshi security forces by the UK and the EU.

UNICEF expressed concerns over the death of 32 children in the protests. Sanjay Wijesekera, UNICEF Regional Director for South Asia, urged swift measures to ensure that children can return to school.

The All India Students Association denounced the violence and expressed their solidarity with student protesters. The Awami Ittehad Party also condemned the violence and urged safety for the Indian nationals residing there.

Amnesty International condemned the attacks against protesters and called on the government "to immediately guarantee the safety of all peaceful protesters and proper treatment of all those injured".

Ma Thida, Chair of PEN International's Writers in Prison Committee, condemned the violence and called on the Bangladesh government to protect journalists and ensure their freedom of expression.

International Federation for Human Rights and Odhikar urged the government to investigate the law enforcement crackdown and hold officers accountable for unnecessary or disproportionate force. They also called for an immediate, independent investigation into attacks on protesters by BCL members.

Célia Mercier, Head of Reporters Without Borders's South Asia Desk, demanded that those responsible for the violent attacks on journalists be identified and brought to justice immediately. She also called on authorities to guarantee the safety of journalists and the right to information.

The digital civil rights NGO Access Now urged the government for unrestricted internet access and transparency during disruptions, with service providers giving prior notification and explanations to users.

Outside Bangladesh

In India, the All India Democratic Students Organisation staged a protest in Kolkata in support of the Bangladeshi students.

In Nepal, on July 20, the All Nepal National Free Students Union held a rally in solidarity with the quota reform movement in Bangladesh and to protest the killing of students.

The Bangladeshi diaspora in Italy, Canada, France, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, the Maldives, the United Kingdom and Malta protested in solidarity with the protesters in Bangladesh.

In the UAE, a demonstration by Bangladeshi labourers also opposed the suppression of protesters, however, several of them were charged in relation for holding protests and violating the UAE's laws against public demonstrations. Following a trial on 21 July, three defendants were sentenced to life imprisonment for "rioting", while 54 others received sentences ranging from 10 to 11 years and were ordered to be deported upon release. Human Rights Watch condemned their arrest, citing the country's restrictive laws and labor conditions as violations of human rights.

In the Maldives, a group of Bangladeshi labourers staged a protest in Southern Huvadhoo Atoll in Thinadhoo on 19 July affirming support for the protests in Bangladesh. However, the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology ordered their detention and deportation. The Ministry's Spokesperson Fathimath Rifath said that expatriate workers in the Maldives are barred from political involvement in such an act, which amounted to a visa violation.

Aftermath

Continuous protests and Long March to Dhaka

On 4 August, thousands of protesters convened at Dhaka's Shahbag intersection in the morning, obstructing it as a form of civil disobedience to demand the resignation of the government. This was followed by hundreds of casualties.

On 5 August, the protesters called for the Long March to Dhaka in defiance of a nationwide curfew to press Sheikh Hasina to resign.

Resignation of Sheikh Hasina

The protests forced Sheikh Hasina to resign and flee the country on 5 August 2024.

Transitional Government

Bangladesh's army chief Waker-uz-Zaman, announced on 5 August 2024 that an interim government will be formed in the country, after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and left her official residence for India on a military helicopter with her sister Sheikh Rehana.

Gallery

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File:কোটা সংস্কার আন্দোলন, শাহবাগ, কাঁটাবন, সায়েন্স ল্যাব, জুলাই ২০২৪ (১৬).jpg
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See also

* Bangladesh quota reform movement
** 2013 Bangladesh quota reform movement
** 2018 Bangladesh quota reform movement
* 1989 Tiananmen Square protests and massacre
* Bangladesh protests (2022–present)
* Violence of Bangladesh Chhatra League

Footnotes

References

2024 Bangladesh quota reform movement

External links

Quota Reform Movement of Bangladesh
– official website

{{Quota reform movement in Bangladesh

Bangladesh quota reform movement
Quota reform movement
Quota reform movement
Quota reform movement
Bangladesh quota reform movement
Quota reform movement