2024 Bangladesh quota reform movement

For other uses, see Bangladesh quota reform movement.

2024 Bangladesh quota reform movement
Part of Bangladesh quota reform movement
Police blockade in a mass procession A male student wearing shackles carrying a sign saying "Break down the shackles of those quotas" (ভেঙ্গে ফেল ঐ কোটার শিকল) A female student carrying a sign reading "Quota or merit? Merit! Merit!" (কোটা না, মেধা? মেধা! মেধা!) Student demonstrations in Shahbagh, Dhaka in July 2024
Date	6 June 2024 – present First phase: 6–9 June 2024 (3 days) Second phase: 1–22 July 2024 (21 days) Third phase: 29 July 2024 – present (2 months and 12 days)
Location	Bangladesh and abroad
Caused by	Reinstatement of the pre-2018 quota system in government jobs through the declaration of the 2018 government circular as illegal by the Bangladesh High Court.
Goals	See the § Demands section
Methods	Protests Public demonstrations Traffic obstruction Picketing Sitdown strikes Occupation Rail obstruction Internet activism Lawsuits Civil strife Riots Arson Vandalism Remittance boycott
Status	Ongoing: Protesters met with suppression and attacks from Awami League's student wing, the Chhatra League, Bangladesh Police, Border Guard Bangladesh, Bangladesh Ansar Indefinite closure of almost all kinds of educational institutions and postponement of the HSC exam Arson and vandalization of many state properties and infrastructures, including the state-owned Bangladesh Television Nationwide shutdown of internet, social media and curfew issued
Parties
Protesters Anti-discrimination Students' Movement Unaffiliated students from various universities, colleges, schools and other educational institutions University teachers Media persons, singers, writers, poets, social media influencers Some lawyers and members of bar council Bangladesh diaspora Supported by: Bangladesh Nationalist Party Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal Jatiya Party Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal Workers Party of Bangladesh Revolutionary Workers Party of Bangladesh Ganosamhati Andolan Left Democratic Alliance (including the Communist Party of Bangladesh) Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Islami Andolan Bangladesh Bangladesh Islami Front Islamic Front Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Nationalist Democratic Movement Bangladesh Jatiya Party Government of Bangladesh Bangladesh Police Rapid Action Battalion Detective Branch Border Guard Bangladesh Bangladesh Army Bangladesh Ansar Awami League Chhatra League Jubo League Swechasebak League Pro-quota protesters Bangladesh Muktijoddha Mancha
Lead figures
Collective leadership Sheikh Hasina Asaduzzaman Khan Obaidul Quader Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Anisul Huq Mohammad A. Arafat Farhad Hossain Zunaid Ahmed Palak Saddam Hussain Sheikh Enan Mainul Hossain Khan
Casualties and losses
Deaths: 266+ protesters (including Abu Sayed and children) and 1 Chatra Dal activist Injuries: 20,000+ (including children) Arrests: 12,000+ Deaths: 12 Awami League activists (including Chhatra league and Jubo league), 4 policemen and 1 ansar Injuries: Several Chhatra League activists and 1,117+ policemen
Deaths: At least 45 non-protester civilians Injuries: 225+ journalists

The 2024 Bangladesh quota reform movement is an ongoing anti-government and pro-democracy protest in Bangladesh, spearheaded primarily by the students of public and private universities. 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-protester civilians, including children and pedestrians.

It began when the Supreme Court of Bangladesh ruling in June 2024 revived a 30% quota for descendants of freedom fighters, reversing a 2018 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 restablished quota system, quickly spread throughout the entire country because of the government's violent response, as well as the public's dissatisfaction stemming from enduring oppression under what many perceive as an authoritarian government. The situation was further complicated by many other ongoing issues, like the government's inability to manage a prolonged economic downturn 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. The numbers of deaths have been varied through reports. As of July 24, there were confirmed 203 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. As of August 2024, the movement remains ongoing as it has expanded its demands to include accountability for violence, resignation of certain government officials, including the resignation of prime minister Sheikh Hasina, and a reform of student unions.

This escalation, combined with violation of human rights or significant corruption and the suppression of democratic rights, has fueled widespread public anger and transformed the protest movement beyond its original focus on quota reform. The public now wants the government to be held accountable for their violent, inhumane actions. The Awami League government and Sheikh Hasina, that many perceive as an authoritarian accused the protest of being hijacked by political opponents.

Background

Further information: Quota system of Bangladesh Civil Service

After the High Court ruled on 5 June 2024, in the favor of quotas, 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 and summer holidays. After the holidays, the agitation started again peacefully but gradually became widespread. Initially the students and teachers of public universities including University of Dhaka, Jagannath University, Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Maritime University, Jahangirnagar University, University of Chittagong, University of Rajshahi, Comilla University, Islamic University, University of Barishal and other educational institutions joined the movement. Later, the students of private universities including North South University, Independent University Bangladesh, BRAC University, American International University-Bangladesh, United International University, Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology, Southeast University and Varendra University also followed suit by joining the public demonstration. Under the banner of Anti-discrimination Students' Movement, 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 Boishommobirodhee Chhatro Andolon (Bengali: বৈষম্যবিরোধী ছাত্র আন্দোলন, lit. '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, Cumilla, Jessore, Rangpur and Rajshahi. 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, 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 Chattogram 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:

1. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina should publicly apologize and take responsibility for the deaths of students during the protests.
2. 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 influencing Chhatra League to carry out violence against the protesters.
3. Deputy inspectors general of police, police commissioners, and superintendents of police in the areas where student casualties occurred must be dismissed from their posts.
4. 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.
5. There should be a nationwide ban on student politics in all educational institutions in Bangladesh.
6. Policemen, law enforcement officers, army/military officials and any individuals involved in the attacks should be arrested and held accountable according to the laws
7. Financial compensation should be provided to the families of students who were killed or injured during the protests.
8. All educational institutions and student residential halls should be reopened immediately.
9. Law enforcement officers, including armed forces and other security personnel, should be withdrawn from all educational institutions to ensure a peaceful environment.

Timeline

Student carrying a protest sign written "কোটা একটি ভিক্ষা; মুক্তি পাক শিক্ষা" (lit. 'Quota is an alm; education be freed').

File:Anti-quota protester at Kuril, Dhaka.jpg

An anti-quota protester carrying a protest sign written "আমার ভাইয়ের রক্তে রাঙানো ১৫ জুলাই, আমরা কিভাবে ভুলে যাই? কোটা মুক্ত দেশ চাই!" (lit. 'My brothers' blood spattered 15 July, how can we forget? Want a quota-free country!').

RAB Bell 407 helicopter shooting at protesters during the protest.

Quota Reform Protest in Muradpur, Chattogram

Early phase (5 June – 9 July)

On 5 June, the High Court restablished 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 it 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

In University of Dhaka at approximately 11:00 AM, 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 PM but due to rain, the students crossed the police barricade on their way to Shahbagh and started later at 04:30 PM. 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 PM, 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 PM, 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 § Razakar remarks 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 PM, 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 pm, 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 PM.

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 pm, 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 PM and initiated an attack. Many were observed carrying rods and Chinese axes. 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 pm 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 pm on 16 July.

16 July

At around 12:15 am, 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 PM and 3:00 PM. Police resorted to lathi charges and firing during the incident. According to Dr. Md. Yunus Ali, Director of Rangpur Medical College Hospital, a Begum Rokeya University student named Abu Sayed died after being brought to the hospital with gunshot wounds.

At around 3:30 PM, 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 pm, 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. Dhaka Metro Mirpur-10 station was closed for arson at a foot-overbridge just 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 pm, 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 ৳500 crore (US$43 million).

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)

Main article: § Supreme Court verdict

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 – present)

Police arresting protestors from ECB Chattwar, Dhaka Cantonment

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

Protesters at Shaheed Minar, Dhaka during "Remembering the Heroes" march

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" in 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 PM, 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, in some cases, 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.

Internet service providers again restricted access to Facebook, WhatsApp, and Telegram. After 5 hours of restriction, access to Facebook and Messenger were reopened; however Telegram was still restricted.

The six coordinators, previously detained by the Detective Branch, claimed 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 have been granted bail from various courts across the country. Among them, 55 are from the Dhaka division, 14 from the Chittagong division, six from the Khulna division, and three from the Rangpur division.

The United Nations agency for children and culture UNICEF has expressed concern over the deaths of at least 32 children in the violence surrounding the 2024 Quota Reform Movement in Bangladesh in July. Sanjay Wijesekera, UNICEF Regional Director for South Asia, has urged swift measures to ensure the children can return to school.

Razakar remarks

Students of the University of Rajshahi using the Razakar slogans on 14 July 2024 at 11:30 pm (BST)

On 14 July, During a press conference Prime minister Sheikh Hasina responded to a question about the protests stating,

If the grandchildren of freedom fighters don't get quota benefits, will those then go to the grandchildren of the Razakars? That's my question to the countrymen.

Notable that Razakars were a paramilitary force during the Bangladesh Liberation War which collaborated with the Pakistani forces to halt the independence of Bangladesh. In modern Bangladesh, the term razakar is used as a pejorative, meaning "traitor" or "collaborator", similar to the usage of "Quisling" in the Western World.

In response to the Prime Minister's comment, in the early hours of 15 July countrywide students began using slogans such as "তুমি কে, আমি কে? রাজাকার, রাজাকার! কে বলেছে, কে বলেছে? স্বৈরাচার, স্বৈরাচার!" (lit. 'Who are you? Who am I? A Razakar, a Razakar! Who has said it? Who has said it? The Autocrat, the Autocrat!'),{{efn|In some version, সরকার (lit. 'Government') is used instead of স্বৈরাচার (lit. 'Autocrat'). "এক, দুই, তিন, চার, আমরা হলাম রাজাকার" (lit. 'One, two, three, four, we are all Rajakars'), and "চাইতে গেলাম অধিকার, হয়ে গেলাম রাজাকার!" (lit. 'Sought for rights, got turned into a Razakar!') 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 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 should not have the right to hold the flag of Bangladesh. In light of these events, the Prime Minister 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 about appealing to the court for a hearing of the case on July 21.

On 21 July 2024, 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 2024, the Ministry of Public Administration published a gazette notification in line with the Supreme Court verdict. In the post-gazette news conference, Law minister 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 damages

Casualties

Main article: List of people killed in Bangladesh quota reform movement

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 the UNICEF, at least 32 children died in the protest related unrests.

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.

Damages

Mirpur-10 police box set ablaze by the agitators

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 July 18, 2024. The building suffered extensive damage, with several sections completely burnt. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visited the site and expressed deep sorrow over the incident. A significant data center in Dhaka was set on fire, causing severe disruptions to internet and telecom services across the country. The fire led to the loss of 70–80% of the country's bandwidth. Arsons also occurred in the toll stations of Dhaka Elevated Expressway and Mayor Mohammad 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 industries greatly affected were ready-made garments, steelmaking, pharmaceuticals, ceramics and outsourcing and e-commerce.

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 arrest at least 34 protesters including coordinators from protest.

On July 20, Nurul Haq Nur, associated with the 2018 Bangladesh quota reform movement, was arrested by police on charges of involvement in the July 18 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 July 27, Hasanatul Islam Faiaz, a 17-year-old, was presented in a lower court in the capital and placed on a seven-day remand. He was charged as the 16th of 17 individuals 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 Govt. 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. 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

• United States: 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.
• United Kingdom: 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".
• China: 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.
• India: 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 of India described the events as Bangladesh's 'internal matter' and expressed Indian government's commitment to protect the Indian citizens living in Bangladesh.
• UNICEF: Regional Director, Sanjay Wijesekera, confirmed the deaths of 32 children during the July protests. She denounced the violence, advocated for the cessation of child detention, and highlighted the critical need to uphold children's rights and restore educational institutions.
• United Nations: 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.
• European Union: 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.

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

File:Bangladesh Quota reform movement protest in the Maldives.jpg

Bangladeshis in the Maldives protesting in support of the movement

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, United Arab Emirates, and the Maldives protested in solidarity with the protesters in Bangladesh.

In the UAE, the demonstration by the Bangladeshi labours 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 the arresting of Bangladeshi labours, citing the country's restrictive laws and labor conditions as violations of human rights.

In the Maldives, a group of Bangladeshi labours staged a protest in Southern Huvadhoo Atoll of Thinadhoo on 19 July affirming support for the recent protest in Bangladesh however The Ministry of Homeland Security & Technology (i.e. Ministry of Home Affairs) of the Maldives has decided to detain and deport the expatriates who were involved in staging a protest in Thinadhoo island. The Ministry's Spokesperson Fathimath Rifath told Sun Siyam Media that expatriate workers in the Maldives are barred from political involvement in such an act, amounted to a visa violation.

Gallery

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See also

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

External links

• Quotations related to 2024 Bangladesh quota reform movement at Wikiquote
• Media related to 2024 Bangladesh quota reform movement at Wikimedia Commons
• Quota Reform Movement Bangladesh official website