Reform Bangladesh

Fall of Hasina

Timeline

2024

August 05, 2024

Hasina flees to India; Army Chief announces Interim Government

Clashes between protesters and law enforcement forces have been ongoing since 10 AM Monday in the Kajla area of Jatrabari, Dhaka. The confrontation escalated, resulting in the deaths of three people from gunshot wounds.
On Monday at 11 AM, protesters attacked and set fire to two buses carrying Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) members on the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway in Mulaid village, Sreepur, Gazipur, leading to a clash at 2 PM that resulted in five deaths and over 50 people being shot.
The ISPR has announced that the army chief will address the nation at 2 PM, urging the public to remain calm and avoid violence until then.
Thousands of people have taken to the streets in various parts of the capital city, with protests intensifying from around 1:30 PM.
Sheikh Hasina has resigned from her position as Prime Minister in response to the single-point demand for the government’s resignation by the anti-discrimination student movement. Around 2:30 PM, a military helicopter departed with Sheikh Hasina and her younger sister Sheikh Rehana, reportedly heading towards India.
Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman has announced the formation of an interim government following discussions with leaders of all political parties, in response to the critical situation in the country sparked by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and departure amid student protests. The Army Chief stated that they will consult with the President to establish this interim government, which will oversee all national affairs during this transitional period.
After Sheikh Hasina fled the country.demonstrators stormed her official residence, Ganabhaban. The scene quickly devolved into chaos and widespread looting. Protesters ransacked the building, taking furniture, electronics, clothing, and even livestock. They emptied refrigerators, stole a blue Dior suitcase, and removed gym equipment. Some were seen eating the prime minister’s food, while others paraded through the streets displaying stolen items. Social media captured images of people wearing Hasina’s clothes and carrying away her possessions in buckets. The looting continued throughout the day, with people setting fires inside the residence and stealing coconuts from the garden.
Following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and departure from the country, the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi 32 and two adjacent buildings were attacked and set on fire by protesters on Monday afternoon around 4 PM, with furniture and various items being removed before the arson. The next morning, Tuesday, four charred bodies were discovered inside the museum, which were recovered from the ruins of the burned structure, though they have not yet been identified.
The residence of Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan, located on Hare Road in the capital, was attacked and vandalized on Monday afternoon when a large group of protesters entered the premises around 4:45 PM. The attackers reportedly damaged the house and looted various items, with the incident occurring shortly after the Chief Justice had left the residence and while there was no security present and the electricity was disconnected.
Angry protesters vandalized and set fire to Sherpur District Jail on Monday afternoon, leading to the escape of all 518 inmates and the looting of weapons and valuable items from the prison. The incident occurred between 4:30 PM and 5:00 PM when thousands of agitated people broke into the jail, forcing security personnel to flee, and the army was subsequently called to the scene.
At 5 PM, protesters have set fire to various locations in Rajshahi, including the city building, police headquarters, mayor’s residence, and Malopara police outpost, with similar incidents occurring at the Rajshahi Metropolitan Awami League office and H.M. Khairuzzaman Liton’s personal office, among other establishments. Amidst these events, thousands of people are celebrating with flags throughout the city’s streets.
In Habiganj’s Baniachong, protesters surrounded and set fire to the police station, resulting in six deaths from police gunfire and over 150 injuries, including police officers, following a clash that began when police obstructed a student procession.

Angry protesters stormed Satkhira District Jail on Monday evening around 6:30 PM, breaking locks and freeing all detainees and prisoners, while also looting items from inside the prison. Though the exact number of released inmates is unknown, eyewitnesses report that thousands of protesters scaled the prison walls, broke through the main gate and cell locks, and blocked a kilometer-long stretch of the Satkhira-Khulna road, while authorities have cut off lights in the prison area.
In the ensuing chaos, mobs attacked and vandalized several media offices, including ATN Bangla, ATN News, Ekattor TV, Somoy TV, and Independent TV, damaging vehicles, setting fire to broadcasting equipment, and disrupting normal operations, though some stations managed to continue broadcasting despite the attacks.
Angry protesters have attacked, vandalized, and looted the homes of several prominent figures in Kishoreganj, including former President Mohammad Abdul Hamid, resigned Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s political adviser Mosiur Rahman, and Joint Police Commissioner Biplab Kumar Sarkar. The unrest, which began Monday afternoon, also targeted residences of local Awami League leaders like Syed Ashfaqul Islam, and student wing leaders Mohammad Anwar Hossain Molla and Mohammad Fayez Uman Khan, among others.
Following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation, angry mobs participating in a victory procession attacked, vandalized, and set fire to the five-star Hotel Zabeer International in Jashore, owned by Awami League leader Shahin Chaklader. The incident resulted in many people being trapped inside, extensive looting of hotel property including luxury items and bedding, and tragically, 24 reported deaths.
Clashes erupted between protesters and police in the Savar and Dhamrai areas of Dhaka, resulting in multiple confrontations. The violence led to at least two deaths and over fifty injuries, including journalists, due to police gunfire and tear gas shells.
In Chuadanga, arsonists set fire to the house of former Jubo League leader Arefin Alam Ranju, resulting in the death of four unidentified men, and also torched the district Awami League office and homes of several party leaders, including MP Solaiman Haque Joarder and his brother Riazul Islam Joarder Toton. The attacks extended to other Awami League leaders’ properties and businesses, with at least 10 people injured in these incidents, while the local fire service reported difficulty in identifying the victims due to severe burns.
In Kushtia, a clash between police and protesters on Monday afternoon resulted in six deaths and over a hundred people being shot, centered around attacks on the Kushtia Model Police Station and the Superintendent of Police’s office.
Following the news of Sheikh Hasina’s resignation, homes of various Awami League leaders were attacked and vandalized, including those of joint secretary Mahbub-ul Alam Hanif and MP Kamarul Arefin, while Awami League supporters’ shops were looted, some items were reportedly stolen from the unguarded Model Police Station, and several murals and sculptures of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman were destroyed in various parts of Kushtia city.
In Jhenaidah, a violent mob attack on Monday afternoon resulted in the deaths of four people, including a Union Parishad (UP) chairman, when protesters set fire to the home of Shahidul Islam Hiron, chairman of Porahati Union Parishad No. 9. Following the attack, which caused three deaths by fire, the protesters hung the chairman’s body at Payra Square in the city, escalating the already tense situation.
Attacks and arson were carried out on Sonaimuri and Chatkhil police stations in Noakhali, with the confrontation in Sonaimuri resulting in at least three civilians and two police officers being killed by gunfire, and about 50 others wounded. The incidents occurred between 5:00 PM and 6:30 PM on Monday, with the emergency department of Noakhali’s 250-bed General Hospital receiving the bodies of three gunshot victims from Sonaimuri and treating numerous others for gunshot wounds.
In Dhaka’s Savar and Dhamrai upazilas, repeated clashes occurred on Monday between protesters and police, resulting in at least 18 deaths. The police response, which included firing bullets and tear gas shells, injured over 50 people, including journalists.
Protesters surrounded the Uttara East Police Station for five hours, resulting in a sustained confrontation with law enforcement. The police response, which involved continuous firing of rubber bullets and live ammunition, led to at least 13 deaths and left over a hundred people injured.
Selim Khan, the chairman of Lakshmipur Model Union Parishad (UP) in Chandpur Sadar upazila, and his son, actor Shanto Khan, were beaten to death by an angry mob on Monday. The incident occurred when they were trying to flee the area, initially escaping a confrontation at Forakkabad Bazaar by firing a pistol, but were ultimately caught and killed by the mob at the nearby Bagara Bazaar.
Nahid Islam, coordinator of the anti-discrimination student movement, announced that a blueprint for an interim government will be presented to the nation, formed through discussions with students, citizens, civil society representatives, and political leaders, explicitly excluding any fascist collaborators or supporters. The movement, which led to the fall of the Awami League government and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and departure from the country on Monday, aims to establish a system that prevents the rise of fascism, authoritarianism, or another figure like Sheikh Hasina in Bangladesh.

2024

August 04, 2024

Deadly chaos erupts across Bangladesh as ‘Total Non-Cooperation' Movement’ begins: At least 98 deaths in 20 districts

On August 4, Sunday, as a non-cooperation campaign begins, the governing Awami League announces its intention to counter-mobilize. Violent confrontations erupt nationwide, resulting in over a hundred casualties. Among the deceased are 14 law enforcement officers and 19 members of the Awami League and its associated organizations.
At a large assembly in Shahbagh, the Anti-discrimination Student Movement unveils plans for a ‘Long March to Dhaka‘.
The Prime Minister’s Office issues an advisory stating, “Due to militant attacks occurring in various locations, students and parents are urged to return home safely. Stringent measures will be implemented against these militant elements.”
The first day of the “total non-cooperation” movement called by the anti-discrimination student protesters demanding the government’s resignation led to widespread clashes, attacks, vandalism, arson, and shootings across Bangladesh, including the capital Dhaka, resulting in at least 98 deaths in 20 districts, including 14 police officers and a journalist, with thousands more injured. . Among them, 13 police members were killed at Enayetpur police station in Sirajganj.
Throughout the day, the clashes resulted in deaths as follows: 6 in Narsingdi, 8 in Feni, 8 in Lakshmipur, 22 in Sirajganj including 13 police, 5 in Kishoreganj, 11 in the capital Dhaka, 5 in Bogura, 3 in Munshiganj, 4 in Magura, 1 in Bhola, 4 in Rangpur, 3 in Pabna, 5 in Sylhet, 3 in Cumilla including a police member, 2 in Sherpur, 2 in Joypurhat, 1 in Habiganj, 1 in Keraniganj of Dhaka, 1 in Savar, 1 in Cox’s Bazar, 1 in Barishal, and 1 in Sreepur of Gazipur, totaling 98 deaths.
The casualties were spread across various districts, with Sirajganj suffering the highest toll of 23 deaths, and included members of different political parties and organizations, notably 22 from Awami League and its affiliated organizations, and three from BNP and Chhatra Dal, according to reports from Kaler Kantho’s correspondents.
During the non-cooperation movement of the anti-discrimination student protests, a journalist named Pradip Kumar Bhowmik was killed in Sirajganj, while at least 23 other journalists were injured in various districts including the capital Dhaka on Sunday. This brings the total number of journalists who have lost their lives in conflicts related to the quota reform movement to five since July 16.
The anti-discrimination student movement has changed the date of their “March to Dhaka” program. Instead of Tuesday, they have announced that the program will be held tomorrow, Monday. Protesters from across the country have been called to come to Dhaka for this event. Today, Sunday, Asif Mahmud, the coordinator of the anti-discrimination student movement, made this announcement in a statement.

2024

August 03, 2024

Anti-Discrimination Student Movement calls for Government resignation at massive Shaheed Minar rally

Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman has stated that the Bangladesh Army is a symbol of trust for the country’s people. He affirmed that the army always stands, and will continue to stand, by the people in their interests and for any national need. The Army Chief made these remarks on Saturday during an ‘Officers’ Address’ session, which was part of regular activities held at the Helmet Auditorium of Army Headquarters in Dhaka.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina extends an invitation to student demonstrators for talks, stating that they are welcome at the Ganabhaban. However, the protesters decline this offer of dialogue.
A massive rally at the Central Shaheed Minar culminates in a singular demand: the resignation of the current administration. This announcement was made today, Saturday, at the Central Shaheed Minar in the capital by Nahid Islam, one of the coordinators of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, addressing the gathered crowd. He called on government officials and security forces to stand with the people instead of supporting the government. “We want to make it clear that we don’t understand Awami League, BNP, Jamaat – these distinctions. We cannot be divided. We believe that Sheikh Hasina’s government and the fascist system of rule must be removed from Bangladesh. We need to build a united Bangladesh,” added Nahid.
The Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) has demanded the immediate resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government, citing its failure to prevent killings and destruction of state property during the quota reform movement. At a protest rally in Dhaka’s Purana Paltan area on Saturday, CPB leaders, including party president Shah Alam and general secretary Ruhin Hossain Prince, urged the government to step down without delay to facilitate a political solution to the crisis, with similar rallies held nationwide.
The Home Minister, Asaduzzaman Khan, declares his willingness to step down, along with fellow cabinet members, if the Prime Minister deems it necessary. He asserts that the student protests have evolved beyond a ‘non-political’ movement, warning that any aggression would be met with defensive action.
The residence of Chattogram City Corporation Mayor and freedom fighter Rezaul Karim Chowdhury was attacked, resulting in damage to various parts of the house. The incident occurred around 8 PM on Saturday at the mayor’s home in Bahaddarbari area of the city. According to the mayor’s Assistant Personal Secretary Md. Dulal Chowdhury, Mayor Rezaul Karim was inside the house during the attack, and the assailants damaged parts of the main gate by throwing bricks and stones from outside, but the mayor is safe. A person was fatally shot during an attempted attack on the residence of Chattogram City Mayor, resulting in the individual’s death.
Violent clashes erupted in Bogura on Saturday between protesting students and police, lasting from 4 PM into the evening across various parts of the city. At least six students were shot during the confrontations, which saw police using tear gas, sound grenades, rubber bullets, and shotgun rounds, transforming several city areas into battlegrounds and resulting in injured students being treated at local hospitals.
In Chattogram, homes of four BNP leaders, including standing committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Vice-Chairman Mir Mohammad Nasir Uddin, and former convener of the city committee Shahadat Hossain, were attacked and vandalized. The incidents occurred between 8 and 9 PM on Saturday, with cars parked below the houses also set on fire. BNP leaders claim that Chhatra League and Jubo League were involved in these attacks.
In Brahmanbaria, students defied obstacles from the ruling party to stage protests by lighting candles, singing, and blocking major roads in various parts of the city, including Haldar Para, Shaheed Dhirendranath Datta Language Square, and Fulbaria Bus Stand area. Despite initial confrontations with local Awami League and Chhatra League leaders, the students were eventually allowed to hold a peaceful candlelight vigil in front of Annada Government High School, after negotiations with the chairman of Sadar Upazila Parishad.
During a protest march by the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement in Rajshahi, demonstrators vandalized and set fire to three police boxes, while a detective police officer and a movement coordinator were injured in clashes. The incident, which occurred Saturday morning (August 3), was confirmed by Jamirul Islam, spokesperson for Rajshahi Metropolitan Police and Additional Deputy Police Commissioner.
In a disturbing incident in Jamalpur, two Chhatra League leaders were seen chasing student protesters while brandishing firearms near the New High School area around 3 PM on Saturday. The attack, led by Shahriar Islam Rafi, office secretary of the Government Ashek Mahmud College branch of Chhatra League, and Nafizur Rahman Tushar, a Chhatra League activist, along with other Awami League affiliates, effectively dispersed the protest march called by the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement.
The anti-discrimination student movement’s call for protests led to demonstrations in at least 33 districts and metropolitan areas across Bangladesh, including the capital Dhaka, with participation from students and people of various professions and classes. The protests resulted in significant violence, with one person killed in clashes in Gazipur, seven people shot during an attack on students by Awami League members and allies in Cumilla, and at least 130 people injured in seven other districts.
The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement has announced guidelines for a comprehensive non-cooperation movement starting Sunday, detailing what will and won’t be allowed during the protest. While calling for a shutdown of government and private institutions, offices, courts, and factories, they’ve specified that essential services such as hospitals, pharmacies, emergency transportation, ambulances, fire services, media, and critical internet services will remain operational during the movement that demands the government’s resignation.

2024

August 02, 2024

HRSS Reports 215 deaths in Bangladesh Quota Protests; UNICEF confirms 32 child casualties

According to a recent report by the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS), at least 215 people have been killed in the quota reform protests that swept across Bangladesh in July. The human rights organization’s monitoring report for July, compiled using data from 12 national media outlets and the HRSS research unit, stated that this figure was derived from information provided by victims’ families, eyewitnesses, hospitals, and national newspapers. However, the report also mentioned that the death toll could be even higher, possibly exceeding 250, citing unconfirmed sources. The analysis revealed that at least 35 of the victims were children under 18, while 50 were students, four were law enforcement personnel, and four were journalists.
Residents of Mirpur DOHS, including retired military officers and their family members, held a solidarity march and rally to support the ongoing student protests. Several thousand people, including students, joined the procession amid heavy rains on Friday evening. The marchers chanted slogans demanding justice for the over two hundred people killed in the ongoing unrest. Banners carried by the participants read, “Call for Retired Military Officers, JCOs and All Other Ranks in the Current Situation.”
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has reported that at least 32 children have been killed in recent violence in Bangladesh. Expressing deep concern over the child deaths, Sanjay Wijesekera, UNICEF’s Regional Director for South Asia, stated that the protection of children is everyone’s responsibility. Many more children were injured, and several were also detained. The deaths of these children are a devastating tragedy, and UNICEF condemns all forms of violence.
16 HSC examinees who were arrested during the quota reform protests in Chattogram have been granted bail. On Friday, the Chattogram court approved bail for the students, 13 of whom are from the city and 3 from the district.
In Chapainawabganj, student protesters involved in the quota reform movement took to the streets, undeterred by the rain. They marched in protest and held a roadside gathering with umbrellas held upside down on their heads.
Across the campus of the Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET), students have expressed their outrage over the attacks and killings of their peers through various graffiti and wall writings. These slogans and artworks demand the withdrawal of cases against students, the release of arrested students, and the ban on student politics on campus, among other demands.
On Friday afternoon around 4 pm, there were clashes between students participating in a protest march in Uttara, Dhaka, and police as well as local Awami League leaders and activists. During the incident, police fired sound grenades, tear gas shells, and rubber bullets, leaving at least six students injured and admitted to various private hospitals.
Approximately 200 mothers of protesting students joined a rally in Chattogram organized by the “Protibadi Nari Somaj” (Protesting Women’s Society). At the rally, they condemned the arbitrary killings, attacks, and mass arrests of students carried out by law enforcement agencies. The demonstration took place in front of the Jamal Khan Press Club at 4 PM.
In a show of support for the 9-point demands of the student movement against discrimination, students from Darul Ulum Moinul Islam Madrasa in Hathazari, Chattogram, staged a protest march on Friday evening on the Hathazari-Khagrachhari road in front of the madrasa’s main gate.
In Narsingdi, student protesters engaged in a demonstration were attacked and had their protest march disrupted by Chhatra League and Jubo League leaders and activists, despite the presence of police. The incident occurred around 3:30 pm on Friday, as the student protesters were marching in the Upazila Chowk area of the city. The demonstrating students were set upon by the ruling party’s student and youth wings, leaving at least 10 protesters injured in the assault.
There were repeated clashes between police and protesting students and citizens around the Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) area in Sylhet. The confrontations, which began around 4 pm on Friday, continued until around 7:30 pm. Protest organizers claim that between 250 to 300 people were injured due to police firing of sound grenades, tear gas shells, and shotgun rounds. Police, on the other hand, reported that seven police personnel were injured in attacks by the protesters. During the incidents, police arrested 12 individuals from the scene.
Students in Feni staged a mass procession as part of the anti-discrimination movement, with some participants donning burial shrouds to symbolize their cause’s gravity. The demonstrators blocked a road in the Khejur Chottor area for about 30 minutes after Friday prayers, highlighting the intensity of their commitment to the ongoing nationwide student protests demanding reforms and addressing discrimination issues.
In a concerning incident in Khulna, clashes between protesters and police have resulted in the death of a police constable. The deceased has been identified as Suman Kumar Gharami (33), a constable stationed at the Khulna Metropolitan Police Line. The incident occurred around 6:10 pm on Friday evening in the Gallamari Kachabazar area.
State Minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak publicly apologized for the nationwide internet disruptions and the failure to control social media misinformation during the ongoing student protests. The minister expressed his regret during a National Mourning Day event at his Natore residence, stating, “If I have done anything wrong, I publicly apologise.”
The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, a platform for quota reform, has announced new nationwide protests, including demonstration marches on Saturday and a non-cooperation movement starting Sunday. The announcement, made via Facebook Live by movement coordinator Abdul Hannan, comes in response to recent attacks on peaceful student-citizen protests and to push for their 9-point demand list.

2024

August 01, 2024

Six student leaders released; Government bans Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Chhatra Shibir

Six coordinators of the anti-discrimination student movement have been released from Detective Branch (DB) police custody. They left the DB office in a black vehicle shortly after 1:30 PM.
The authorities release an official statement prohibiting the activities of Jamaat-e-Islami, a party opposing independence, along with its affiliated student organization, Islami Chhatra Shibir. This ban is justified by citing their alleged involvement in ‘crimes against humanity during the 1971 conflict’ and accusations of ‘terrorist actions’ amid the unrest related to the quota reform protests.
Two cases of vandalism have been filed against seventh-grade students aged 11 and 12 in Sariakandi, Bogura, where government “rescue boats” on the Yamuna River were damaged during student protests. The police arrested the two children, along with one other person, and presented them before the court on Thursday.
Braving the rain, students participating in the ongoing movement held a “Remembering Our Heroes” program in Ramnagar, Laksmipur on Thursday. They demanded an investigation through the United Nations into the killings during the quota reform protests, as well as the fulfillment of the 9-point student movement agenda against discrimination. During the program, a student symbolically protested by chaining their neck and hands.
Throughout the day in Bogura, students carried out the “Remembering Our Heroes” program, commemorating the movement’s fallen through songs of awakening and national unity.The protest featured a mix of national anthem, revolutionary songs, and slogans demanding justice for those killed in the quota reform movement.
Under the banner of “Remembering Our Heroes,” students involved in the anti-discrimination movement blockaded the main road in Habiganj city for nearly two hours on Thursday afternoon. They also took out protest marches across the district town. Thousands of students from Brindaban Government College and several other educational institutions in the district headquarters participated in the program.
A candlelight vigil held to commemorate those who lost their lives during the quota reform movement was disrupted by a police baton charge and dispersal. Two people were injured in the incident. The event took place on Thursday evening near the Shaheed Minar and Balu Field area in Chashara, Narayanganj.
Professors at Begum Rokeya University staged a sit-in protest, demanding justice for all the killings during the quota reform movement, including that of Abu Saeed, as well as ensuring student safety and a conducive academic environment. The protest was held in the university’s Sheikh Rasel Square on Thursday afternoon.
Filmmakers, actors, and other cultural personalities gathered in the rain at Farmgate in the capital, despite police obstruction. The artists stated that the government’s brutal suppression of the students’ legitimate movement cannot occur in any democratic, civilized society. Among the artists, Mosharraf Karim said, ‘The situation created in our country at the moment is not such that we can sit at home. We want peace. We don’t want to see blood. We don’t want to see gunshots, blood. We are common people. We want peace.'”
In a case filed by the police in Satkhira, seven accused were sent to jail on Thursday after a two-day remand. Three of them are HSC examinees. They were charged with attempting to enter the police station, attacking police, and obstructing government work.Additionally, six more accused, including one HSC examinee, were brought from the district jail to the Sadar police station for questioning on Thursday afternoon.
Police have arrested Adnan Sharif, a coordinator of the anti-discrimination student movement, in Chattogram. He was arrested from his residence at DC Road in Bakalia on Wednesday night. On Thursday afternoon, he was presented before the court and sent to jail in two cases filed under the murder and explosives acts.
After nearly four hours of detaining 12 students, including three coordinators of the anti-discrimination student movement, the police released them at Barishal University. The students were brought back to the university by Proctor Abdul Kaium and seven other faculty members on Thursday afternoon.
“Six days in DB custody for six people can be done. But how will you detain the entire young generation of Bangladesh?” questioned Sarzis Alam, one of the coordinators of the quota reform movement, after being released from the Detective Branch (DB) office. He stated that the student movement will continue as long as mass arrests, oppression, and torture persist.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina stated that the nation has witnessed the brutality of extremism under the guise of the anti-quota movement. She reiterated her commitment that Bangladesh has no place for extremism and terrorism.
The student platform leading the quota reform movement, the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, has announced a new program of ‘Prayers and Student-People’s Mass March’ to be held this Friday. The program has been organized ‘to protest the mass killings and mass arrests, and to demand the 9-point student agenda.’

2024

July 31, 2024

Protesters staged 'March for Justice' Nationwide; new 'Remembering Our Heroes' program announced

Amid conflicts and clashes surrounding the Quota Reform Movement, protesters observed the ‘March for Justice’ program in various districts across the country, including the capital, to address arrests, attacks, lawsuits, killings, and to demand their 9-point charter.
Wednesday, they demonstrated and staged sit-ins on various roads, campuses, and in front of courts. During this time, protesters faced police resistance in several locations. They broke through barricades and entered the Supreme Court premises.
Participants from diverse educational institutions, including universities, schools, and colleges, took to the streets in major cities across Bangladesh. The demonstrations and marches saw a mix of students, educators, and parents joining forces in Dhaka, Chattogram, Khulna, Barishal, Rajshahi, and Sylhet.
Law enforcement agencies responded to these gatherings with stringent measures. In numerous locations, police erected blockades and employed crowd control tactics, such as baton charges, tear gas deployment, and the use of sound grenades to disperse the assembled protesters. Reports indicate that a considerable number of students were taken into custody at various protest sites.
New Age correspondents, gathering information from both law enforcement and protesters, indicate that clashes between police and demonstrators resulted in at least 100 injuries in various locations. As students advanced towards district and metropolitan courts, fulfilling their previously announced ‘March for Justice’ program, law enforcement officials detained dozens of participants.
A faction of the anti-discrimination student movement, which had been demanding quota reform, has announced a new program called “Remembering Our Heroes” for Thursday, following the “March for Justice” program.

2024

July 30, 2024

Bangladesh student protests continue amid allegations of police brutality

The police have arrested over 10,000 people across Bangladesh since July 15 in response to the student protests.
The main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) alleged that a large number of its leaders and activists, as well as other opposition figures, have faced serious torture while in police custody.
Teachers from universities, including Jahangirnagar and Rajshahi, staged demonstrations condemning the police killings, arrests, and harassment of students. At Jahangirnagar University, 38 teachers held a silent procession with their faces covered in red ribbons, mourning the deaths of protesters. Rajshahi University teachers also blocked the Rajshahi-Dhaka highway to press their nine-point demand, including a fair investigation into the killings during the quota reform protests.
A coalition of 31 cultural organizations held a rally in Dhaka, demanding the resignation of the Awami League government for the killings of students and civilians during the quota reform movement. The protesters also called for the withdrawal of the ongoing curfew, an end to mass arrests, and the harassment of people in the country.
The Student Movement Against Discrimination platform announced a new program called the “March for Justice” on Wednesday, which will include marches towards courts, rallies on campuses, and road blockades across the country.
The protesters are demanding a United Nations investigation into the mass killings, arrests, attacks, cases, and disappearances during the recent unrest.
Their nine-point charter of demands also includes an unconditional apology from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the resignation of ministers, and the sacking of police officials responsible for the killings.
The Detective Branch of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police has kept six protest coordinators in custody for up to four days, despite criticism. A writ petition challenging the legality of the coordinators’ confinement was filed with the High Court, which expressed deep shame over the deaths during the protests.
The government has been accused of employing “false narratives” and “cruel theatrics” to justify the human rights violations committed by law enforcement agencies during the crackdown.

2024

July 29, 2024

Night raids spark fear

Residents in Dhaka report increasing anxiety as law enforcement agencies conduct nighttime raids in residential areas. These operations, aimed at apprehending individuals allegedly involved in vandalism during recent student protests, have left many families on edge. In one instance, a five-hour raid in the Azimpur government quarter area resulted in multiple detentions and left residents recalling unsettling memories of past conflicts.
Police have reportedly arrested at least 68 protesters from different locations. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) announced that 14 more cases have been filed in connection with the quota movement clashes, bringing the total to 243 cases.
On Monday, cultural organizations, including Bangladesh Udichi Shilpigosthi, staged a protest against what they describe as excessive force and widespread arrests by law enforcement during ongoing quota reform demonstrations. The event, held near the National Press Club, featured performances of protest songs and poetry recitals, calling for justice and an end to the current curfew.
A writ petition was filed with the High Court seeking directives to law enforcement agencies not to shoot at protesters and to release the detained coordinators.
The High Court has strongly criticized recent actions by the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Detective Branch, particularly the publicized meal shared between the DB chief and six detained student movement coordinators. Describing it as “a mockery of the nation,” the court is considering legal challenges to the confinement of these students and the use of force against protesters.
Several universities, including Jahangirnagar University and Dhaka University, have issued statements urging law enforcement and other authorities to ensure that innocent students are not harassed during ongoing operations. They have advised students to report any incidents of harassment to university authorities.
The University Teachers Network organized a rally at Dhaka University, expressing solidarity with student protesters and calling for an end to student harassment and mass arrests. Participants in the rally urged for the incidents of violence to be termed the “July Massacre” and observed a minute of silence for the students who lost their lives during the protests.
Students from various universities across the country, including Rajshahi, Chattogram, and Sylhet, held rallies and blocked highways to press their demands.
At least 15 students were injured in an alleged attack by Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) activists at Barishal University. Eight of the injured were admitted to Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital.
The ruling Awami League and its allies have announced a decision to ban Jamaat-e-Islami and its student wing, Islami Chhatra Shibir, from political activities. This move, described as an effort to “eliminate anti-national forces,” follows a meeting at the Prime Minister’s residence.
Families of the six detained coordinators of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement were permitted to meet with their loved ones at the Detective Branch office. While family members reported that the detainees appeared to be in good condition, concerns about the circumstances of their detention persist.
Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan claimed that 147 people have died in the violence, although media reports suggest the number could be higher.

2024

July 28, 2024

Anti-discrimination student movement issues three demands, including release of coordinators

The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement has given the government a 24-hour ultimatum, presenting three demands including the release of students arrested in connection with the quota reform movement.
On Saturday evening, during a virtual press conference, Abdul Hannan Masud, a coordinator of the movement, announced these demands. Other coordinators, Mahin Sarkar and Rashidul Islam Rifat, were also present.Their demands are: 1. Formation of an independent commission by Sunday, 2. Release of all detained students, including coordinators Nahid Islam, Asif Mahmud, co-coordinator Abu Bakar Majumdar, and former DUCSU social welfare secretary Akhtar Hossein, 3. Withdrawal of false cases and visible action against all culprits from ministerial level to constable level involved in student killings
Abdul Hannan Masud also claimed that more than 3,500 students have been detained nationwide. He further alleged that numerous individuals have been forcibly taken from their homes and subsequently disappeared, and that over 200 students have lost their lives.
The wife of Nurul Haque Nur claimed her husband was physically tortured during a five-day remand period.
Family members of Nusrat Tabassum and Arif Sohel, coordinators of the quota reform movement, have alleged that the two were taken away by individuals claiming to be from law enforcement agencies. Nusrat Tabassum, a student at Dhaka University and a key coordinator of the anti-quota movement, was reportedly picked up from her residence in Rupnagar, Mirpur, early this morning by individuals identifying themselves as DB police, according to her family. Arif Sohel was a coordinator for the quota reform movement at Jahangirnagar University. His family reported that around 3:15 AM on Saturday night, a group of eight to nine individuals in plainclothes, claiming to be DB police, took Arif Sohel away.
The family of former BRAC University teacher Asif Mahtab has accused law enforcement agencies of picking him up. On Saturday (July 28) around 1 am, he was arrested from his house in Uttara Sector 9 by a group who identified themselves as DB (Detective Branch) personnel. His younger sister Nafisa Tasneem informed this to Dhaka Post in the morning.

2024

July 27, 2024

Arrests mount as government tightens grip on protesters

In the aftermath of a week-long, violent suppression of student demonstrations calling for public service quota reform, Bangladesh has seen a surge in legal and law enforcement activities. These actions include the filing of new cases, nighttime block raids resulting in political opposition and student arrests, and ongoing operations by law enforcement agencies across the country. According to police data available as of Saturday, the crackdown has resulted in the detention of approximately 6,000 individuals. The majority of those arrested are reportedly leaders and activists affiliated with the main opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). These arrests stem from hundreds of cases filed in connection with alleged ‘vandalism’ of key infrastructure during nationwide clashes that occurred between July 15 and July 21.
According to KN Roy Nioty, Additional Deputy Commissioner of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police, 2,536 people were apprehended in various parts of the capital between July 12 and July 26.
Sylhet Metropolitan Police have apprehended 139 individuals in connection with violent incidents that occurred during recent student demonstrations demanding reforms to the government job quota system. The detainees reportedly include members of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Jamaat-e-Islami.
Police officials confirmed today that two additional organizers of the quota reform protest movement have been taken into custody by the Detective Branch. The detained individuals have been identified as Sarjis Alam and Hasnat Abdullah. According to Junaed Alam Sarkar, Additional Deputy Police Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, the organizers were taken into custody “to ensure their personal security and to gather information about recent incidents.”
In a statement made on Saturday, the Prime Minister asserted that the widespread unrest was orchestrated with the intention of “completely crippling the economy.” She went further to claim that the ultimate goal of these alleged conspirators was to reverse Bangladesh’s economic gains and reduce the nation to a state of dependency. “It might be their conspiracy to make us again a nation of beggars by crippling the country’s economy completely,” the Prime Minister stated.

2024

July 26, 2024

'Block Raids' sweep nation: 555 Cases filed, 6,264 arrested, Including 30 Students in Chattogram

‘Block raids’ are being conducted by dividing areas. Nationwide operations continue. At least 555 cases filed across the country. The number of arrests reaches 6,264. Reports of 30 students arrested in Chattogram.
Three more people undergoing treatment have died from injuries sustained in clashes in Dhaka and various districts. One person died at Dhaka Medical College Hospital on Friday and another on Thursday. Another person died at Mugda Medical College Hospital around 2 AM on Thursday night. In addition to these three, two more names from Noakhali will be added to this death list. Their deaths were not reported earlier. With this, the death toll from protests and subsequent conflicts centered on the quota reform movement in government jobs has reached 209.
Three coordinators of the anti-discrimination student movement, including Nahid Islam, have been taken into custody by the Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Police (DB) from Gonoshasthaya Nagar Hospital in the capital. The other two coordinators are Asif Mahmud and Abu Bakar Majumder. A group of plainclothes individuals, who identified themselves as members of law enforcement, took them away from the hospital in Dhanmondi around 3:30 PM.
On Friday, various political parties and cultural activists organized protests against the widespread killing of students, mass arrests, and intimidation tactics. In Dhaka, left-leaning and progressive political groups held a rally, calling for the resignation of the Awami League government. They accused the government of being responsible for the deaths of over 200 students and civilians during protests demanding reforms to the quota system in government jobs. Thirty-one cultural organizations also demonstrated against the killings of students and ordinary people, as well as the mass arrests related to violence and vandalism during the anti-quota student movement.Before the mourning procession, these parties held a rally in front of the Communist Party of Bangladesh’s central office at Purana Paltan. The event was chaired by Bazlur Rashid Firoz, who serves as both the coordinator of the Left Democratic Alliance and the general secretary of the Socialist Party of Bangladesh.

2024

July 25, 2024

Prime Minister moved to tears by Metro Station destruction

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inspected the Mirpur-10 Metro Rail station, which was damaged during attacks by miscreants amid the quota reform movement. On Thursday morning (July 25), she visited the damaged station. While touring the devastated metro station, the daughter of Bangabandhu was seen breaking into tears. She was observed making repeated attempts to contain her emotions.During this time, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina called upon the citizens to stand against those who destroy the country’s development.
Three more people undergoing treatment have died. The total death toll has now risen to 204. The curfew will be relaxed for 9 hours on the two holiday days, Friday and Saturday. Amnesty International has reported that police used lethal weapons.
Police have arrested Andalib Rahman Partho, Chairman of Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP), from his residence in Gulshan, Dhaka. Partho has been arrested in connection with a case involving vandalism and arson at the Setu Bhaban in Mohakhali.
Citing various metropolitan, district, and police station sources, the news outlet Prothom Alo reported that law enforcement agencies have arrested approximately 1,400 more individuals across the country from Tuesday night until Wednesday afternoon. Of these, 641 were arrested in Dhaka. This brings the total number of arrests nationwide to around 4,500 over the past 8 days (July 17-24).
The whereabouts of Asif Mahmud, Abu Bakar Majumder, and Rifat Rashid, three of the key coordinators of the anti-discrimination student movement platform for quota reform, have been found. After being missing for five days, both Asif and Bakar posted on Facebook that they had been dumped while blindfolded. Rifat is in hiding.

2024

July 24, 2024

Anti-discrimination student movement ultimatum: Four-point demand must be met before eight-point talks

The coordinators of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement have given the government an additional two-day ultimatum to fulfill their four-point “urgent demand.” They assert that only after these four points are addressed will there be an opportunity to discuss their main eight-point demand. If the government doesn’t accept the four-point demand, there won’t be any chance to talk about the eight-point demand. At the press conference, the coordinators reiterated their four-point demand. These include restoring internet services, withdrawing the curfew, removing law enforcement agencies from university campuses while ensuring a conducive environment through government and administrative coordination to reopen residential halls and facilitate students’ return to educational institutions, and guaranteeing the safety of the movement’s coordinators.
Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal has announced that the curfew will remain in effect until public calm is restored. He expressed hope that the situation would be brought under control within the next 3 to 4 days.When asked about the number of students or civilians who died in the quota reform movement, the Home Minister stated, “We don’t have any count of how many civilians have died. No cases related to this have been filed at any police station. The police are gathering information, and we can speak about this later.”
The quota reform movement in Bangladesh led to widespread conflicts and violence, resulting in 113 arson incidents across the country, with 90 of these occurring in the Dhaka region, primarily targeting police positions and installations. The Fire Service and Civil Defence faced significant challenges in responding to these incidents, with 89 out of 113 cases hampered by inadequate security and protestor interference, leading to damage to their vehicles and injuries to personnel, while the frequency of these arson attacks peaked between July 18-20 before gradually decreasing.
Four days after a violent attack during the quota reform movement, the Tongi regional office of Gazipur City Corporation remains a scene of destruction, with shattered glass, burnt furniture, and 20-25 damaged vehicles – some completely burned, others partially damaged – still littering the premises. The attack on Saturday resulted in the destruction of 22 vehicles, including 14 completely burned and 8 vandalized, ranging from waste carriers to official cars and specialized equipment, as well as damage to two office rooms, leaving the air still heavy with the scent of burnt materials.
Law enforcement agencies in Bangladesh have been conducting continuous arrest operations in response to attacks, vandalism, clashes, and arson incidents centered around the quota reform movement across various parts of the country. From Monday night to Tuesday afternoon, approximately 1,100 people were arrested nationwide, including leaders and activists of BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, with at least 517 of these arrests taking place in the capital city of Dhaka.
Alamin, the personal assistant of popular television actress Tanzin Tisha, has tragically fell victim to gunfire during violent clashes centered around the quota reform issue. Tanzin Tisha herself confirmed the news in a Facebook post on Tuesday (July 23). Sharing several photos with Alamin, the actress wrote, “Alamin was not associated with any political party or group. For the past four years, his life revolved around me, my work, and my family. He lived a life free of sin, and I watched this young person grow up beside me over these four years”.
The anti-discrimination student movement in Bangladesh has resulted in numerous casualties nationwide, with many people suffering serious injuries, often from police-fired rubber bullets used to disperse protesters or in self-defense. At Dhaka Medical College Hospital alone, 41 individuals are receiving treatment for rubber bullet injuries to their eyes, with three patients having sustained injuries to both eyes.
Four more individuals have succumbed to injuries sustained during clashes in Dhaka and other districts. Three deaths were reported at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, while one person passed away at Enam Medical College Hospital in Savar on Tuesday. These latest casualties bring the total death toll to 201 in the ongoing unrest centered around the quota reform movement for government jobs.

2024

July 23, 2024

Almost 200 deaths recorded across the country in three weeks as authorities attributes internet shutdown to attacks on data centers

Law Minister Anisul Huq said that the government would consider empowering the judicial inquiry commission that was formed to probe into the killings of six people on July 16, 2024 to look into all reported deaths in students’ protests.
Government issued a circular confirming 93% percent of the recruitment at government, semi-government and autonomous bodies will be based on merit.
Authorities attributed the internet shutdown to attacks on the data centers in Dhaka. Both the Information and Broadcasting State Minister Mohammad Ali Arafat and Information and Post, Telecommunication and Information Technology State Minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak blamed the torching of the central data center to opposition party activists.
Information and Broadcasting State Minister Mohammad Ali Arafat reportedly said that the civil unrest could have been quelled swiftly but the government exercised restraint.
Death toll since July 17, 2024 increased to at least 197. However, the death toll does not comprise information from all hospitals in Dhaka or across the country, and is likely to be an underestimate.

2024

July 22, 2024

Harsh prison sentences handed to expatriates in the United Arab Emirates for demonstrating, while protests in Bangladesh will not stop protest unless demands met

Demonstrators have demanded that the government release protest leaders, lift the military curfew, reopen the universities, take action against police officers, and ban pro-government student-wing. Additionally, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina must accept responsibility and apologize for students’ death and two ministers must resign.
A court in the United Arab Emirates sentenced 57 Bangladeshi nationals to prison for staging demonstrations in the Gulf country in solidarity with student protesters, 3 to life in prison, 53 to 10 years each, and one to 11 years for gathering and inciting riots.

2024

July 21, 2024

Amid mass arrests and ongoing curfew and communications blackout, apex court scaled back quota from 56% to 7% in an emergency hearing

Curfew and communications blackout continued.
A total of 550 were arrested all over the country.
During an emergency hearing, the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh delivered a verdict scaling back quota for descendants of the war veterans to 5% from 30%, with 93% of jobs to be allocated on merit, and the remaining 2% to be set aside for members of ethnic minorities and transgender and disabled people.

2024

July 19, 2024

Over 100 deaths recorded across the country in one week as government declares curfew and deployed military; prison stormed and inmates released

A group of demonstrators allegedly stormed a prison in Narsingdi and freed hundreds of inmates before setting the facility on fire.
A nationwide curfew was declared with shoot-on-sight order to the armed forces deployed to assist the civil law enforcement authorities.
At least 52 people were killed in Dhaka alone, and many more throughout the country. Other sources confirmed at least 114 deaths over the week.
Official websites of the Bangladesh Bank, the Prime Minister’s Office and the Bangladesh Police were hacked by a group calling itself “THE R3SISTANC3.”

2024

July 18, 2024

Government enforces complete internet shutdown, suspends all national school exams, and bans public rallies, as at least 32 deaths and over 1,000 injuries were reported and the national broadcaster’s head office set on fire

Higher Secondary Certificate and equivalent exams of all education boards scheduled for July 21, 23 and 25 have been suspended.
Headquarters of the Bangladesh Television was set on fire after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina appeared on the network seeking to calm escalating clashes.
Government proposed negotiations but the student demonstrators rejected them, demanding police and pro-government student-wing members be brought to justice.
Government announced blocking mobile internet access and access to social media for security reasons. State Minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak said the social media platforms were ‘weaponized as a tool to spread rumors, lies and disinformation.’
All public rallies were banned the next day.
A journalist was killed while covering a clash between the police and protesting students and a fifteen year old student was shot dead, with around 32 recorded deaths and over 1,000 injured.

2024

July 17, 2024

Students announced nationwide complete shutdown as Prime Minister Hasina declared formation of judicial inquiry commission

The student protesters announced a “nationwide complete shutdown” the next day. Asif Mahmud, an organizer of the movement, announced that all establishments except hospitals and emergency services would be closed, and only ambulances would be permitted on the roads. Another demonstrator said that the protest is no longer about quota reform but also for justice for those killed during the protest.
229 platoons of the Border Guard Bangladesh were deployed across the country.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina condemned the killings and said that perpetrators would be brought to justice in a televised address to the nation. She also announced the formation of a judicial inquiry committee to investigate the death in the quota reform movement, led by High Court Justice Khandaker Diliruzzaman.
Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud blamed the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Jamaat-e-Islami for the violence.
Disruptions to Facebook were reported across the country. Online freedom watchdog NetBlocks observed that “multiple internet providers” in Bangladesh had completely restricted access to the social media platform.

2024

July 16, 2024

Bangladesh Chattra League and law enforcement authorities attacks demonstrators resulting in 6 deaths, lead to deployment of paramilitary forces, closure of educational institutions, restriction on mobile internet, and arrest of opposition party members

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader said the Bangladesh Chhatra League is ready to give a “befitting reply” to the students for chanting the razakar slogan.
Border Guard Bangladesh deployed across the country, including in Dhaka, Chittagong, Bogra, and Rajshahi, to bring the law and order situation under control.
Law enforcement authorities and the student wing of the ruling party attacked the students demonstrating against the quota system.
The University Grants Commission instructed all universities to suspend academic activities until further notice and the students to vacate university dormitories. Similar directives were issued suspending academic activities in the secondary and higher secondary educational institutions under the education ministry, the polytechnic institutes, and all the primary schools in the city corporation areas.
Students from private universities, including North South University, BRAC University, University of Liberal Arts, and East West University, as well as higher secondary colleges like Notre Dame College and Dhaka Residential Model College, joined the demonstrations.
Authorities instructed mobile network operators to restrict 4G internet services around fifty university areas.
Authorities conducted a raid on the headquarters of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, arresting seven members of its student wing and claiming they had found a cache of Molotov cocktails and other weapons.
At least six people, including Abu Sayeed, were killed and dozens were injured during clashes between the protestors and the student wing of the ruling party and the law enforcement authorities.

2024

July 15, 2024

Students’ protests against use of “razakar” label by Prime Minister Hasina branded by Foreign Minister Mahmud as anti-state, at least 100 people injured in attacks by Bangladesh Chaatra League and law enforcement authorities

Around midnight, hundreds of students from public universities protested against what they considered a “disparaging comment” by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina earlier in the evening. Students adopted slogans, ‘Who are you? Who am I – Razakar, Razakar?’ and ‘Asked for rights and became a Razakar.’
At least 100 people were injured in rallies that blocked major highways and rail links, following attacks by law enforcement authorities and the student wing of the ruling party. Bangladesh Chattra League hurled rocks and Molotov cocktails, used iron rods and sticks, and carried machetes and other weapons. Some armed members also reportedly attempted to enter hospitals.
Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud said an ‘attempt is being made to transform the anti-quota movement into an anti-state one using the emotions of young students.’

2024

July 14, 2024

A letter of memorandum submitted to President Shahabuddin, while Prime Minister Hasina uses “razakar” during press conference

A student delegate submitted a letter of memorandum to the President of Bangladesh Mohammed Shahabuddin.
During a press conference, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina asked why the students resent the freedom fighters and if their descendents do not benefit from the quota system, “then should the grandchildren of razakars get quotas.”

2024

July 11, 2024

Law enforcement authorities uses unlawful force against the students and calls the movement anti-government

Unlawful force was used by the law enforcement authorities, including firing rubber bullets and tear gas canisters, against the students. However, the authorities could not subdue the protest.
Students were accused of “attempting to challenge the government”. Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Habibur Rahman warned that the police would not tolerate violation of the law, while the government decided to take measures to avoid further escalation.

2024

July 10, 2024

Chief Justice directs the government to maintain the status quo until the next hearing date four weeks later, with students continuing peaceful demonstrations

A formal leave to appeal the verdict of the High Court Division was filed before the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh. Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan directed the government to maintain the status quo and fixed a date for full hearing four weeks later. During this time, the executive order abolishing the quota system was directed to remain effective.
However, tens of thousands of students continued peaceful demonstrations. Both students and intellectuals reasoned that the quota system could be reformed by the government without violating the decision of the High Court Division, as the court expressly conferred discretion to the government to alter the ratio.

2024

July 7, 2024

Students declaration of “Bangla Blockade” dismissed by Prime Minister Hasina as wasting time

Students declared “Bangla Blockade”, the daily blockades of roads and highways to demand reform of the quota system, causing disruption to the traffic movement throughout major cities.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said that the students are “wasting their time” and that there was no justification for the anti-quota movement.

2024

July 4, 2024

Pro-quota petitioners seeks time from the apex court to prepare for the appeal hearing

As the writ petitioner sought time, the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh deferred the matter and instructed the Attorney General to file a regular leave to appeal.

2024

July 1, 2024

Student demonstration starts on a limited scale demanding reinstatement of the executive order

Students of public universities carried out peaceful demonstrations on a limited scale, with four demands: reinstatement of the 2018 executive order, formation of a committee to reform the quota system, recruitment on merit where no appointments can be made under the quota scheme, and maintaining transparency in recruitment process. A scheduled strike by public university teachers against a newly formed pension scheme was also concurrently held the same day.
Students of public universities carried out hour-long peaceful demonstrations at the Shahbagh intersection in Dhaka, disrupting transport movement in the surrounding roads. They expressed determination to continue their agitation until the cancellation of the quota system.
Students of Jahangirnagar University blocked the Dhaka-Aricha Highway for 10 minutes. Similar actions were taken on 2-4 July, 2024.

2024

June 19, 2024

Case filed under the Cyber Security Act, 2023 against a citizen for mocking the quota system

A case was filed against one Jahangir Alam under the Cyber Security Act, 2023 for “mocking” the quota allocation for freedom fighters on Facebook. He reportedly stated that 30 percent of the meat of sacrificial animals during the Eid-al Adha should be allotted to the grandchildren of freedom fighters.

2024

June 9, 2024

Attorney General unsuccessfully appeals against the decision before a chamber judge of apex court, July 4 fixed for full hearing

Attorney General AM Amin Uddin appealed to a chamber judge of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh to stay the operation of the decision, arguing that this was a policy matter of the government. While refusing to stay, the court fixed July 4, 2024 for hearing the plea at the regular and full bench of the apex court.

2024

June 5, 2024

Decision of the High Court Division declaring the executive order unlawful and reinstating the quota system sparks peaceful protest by students

After hearing the case in January and May 2024, the High Court Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh declared the 2018 executive order “illegal, […] issued without lawful authority and of no legal effect.” Additionally, the court directed the government to reinstate the quota system, however, with the discretion to alter the ratio.

2021

Executive order abolishing quota system for civil services challenged by descendants of the freedom fighters in constitutional court

A writ petition was filed by the families of war veterans in December 2021. It challenged the legality of the executive order issued by the Ministry of Public Administration on October 4, 2018, after receiving approval from the Cabinet Division headed by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The executive order abolished all forms of quota in certain grades of the civil service, including the 30% quota for the descendants of the freedom fighters.

2018

Demands for reformation of the quota system for civil services by university students in February 2018 led to its revocation by executive order in October 2018

Students protested against the quota system in February 2018, demanding an end to the discriminatory and disproportionate quotas in government recruitment tests. A reduction of quotas from 56% to 10% was proposed and vacant posts are to be filled on the basis of merit if suitable candidates are not found from those who are eligible to get jobs under the quota system. Descendants of freedom fighters also formed a human chain in favor of retaining 30% for them in government employment, branding the protestors as Jamaat-e-Islami conspirators.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina announced in the national parliament in April 2018 that the government will abolish the quota system. Executive order issued by the Ministry of Public Administration in October 2018 abolishing the quota system.