Bangladesh: 19 Dead in Deadly Clashes as Nationwide Quota Reform Protests Intensify
Last Updated on July 18, 2024 8:44 pm
By Shabana Akter
Dhaka, July 18, 2024 — The situation in Bangladesh has escalated dramatically as violent clashes between police and protesters have claimed at least 19 lives. The unrest, which has gripped Dhaka and its outskirts including Uttara, Badda, Savar, Mirpur-10, and Shonir Akhra, erupted following a nationwide “complete shutdown” called by the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement.
The day of action began with severe confrontations between police and students from Brac University (BRACU) at the Merul Badda campus. According to eyewitness reports and video footage, police deployed rubber bullets and teargas, resulting in multiple student injuries and a rapid spread of protests to other parts of the capital.
Widespread Disruptions and Clashes
As the protests gained momentum, students from BRACU, East West University (EWU), Canadian University of Bangladesh (CUB), and Dhaka Imperial College established blockades, primarily around Brac University. The student-led shutdown saw people from various sectors of society joining the demonstrations, significantly disrupting daily life in Dhaka.
Residents have reported severe mobile data disruptions throughout the day, further compounding the chaos. The confrontations have extended to various neighborhoods and campuses, with clashes reported in Dhanmondi-27 and Mohakhali.
Government Response and Pleas for Calm
Law Minister Anisul Huq has announced the government’s willingness to engage in discussions with the protesting students. He indicated that the attorney general will seek an expedited hearing of a writ petition concerning the quota system, urging protesters to de-escalate. “As a fatherly figure, I am requesting you to move away from the protest,” Huq stated.
The minister assured that the government is prepared to negotiate, mentioning that discussions will be scheduled as soon as the students are ready to meet. However, the protesters have not responded favorably to this offer.
Protest Leaders Reject Dialogue
Leaders of the quota reform movement have rebuffed the government’s offer for dialogue, accusing the administration of using violence to suppress their peaceful demonstrations. Hasnat Abdullah, a coordinator of the movement, condemned the government’s actions, saying, “No discussion through stepping onto blood.” Asif Mahmud, another leader, emphasized that no meaningful dialogue can occur while the protests are being violently suppressed.
The movement’s leaders have vowed to continue their protests until their demands are met, which include reforming the quota system, ensuring campus safety, and holding accountable those responsible for the violence.
International and Diplomatic Reactions
In response to the escalating violence, the Indian High Commission in Dhaka has issued a warning advising Indian citizens and students to avoid unnecessary travel and stay indoors. The advisory provides emergency contact information for those needing assistance.
In the United States, the State Department has condemned the violence against protesters and stressed the need for peaceful demonstrations. When asked about the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL)—a pro-government student organization accused of violence against demonstrators—spokesperson Mathew Miller refrained from labeling the group as a terrorist organization but reiterated the call for non-violent protests.
Journalist Killed Amid Clashes
Tragically, Mehedi Hasan, a reporter for Dhaka Times, was killed while covering the protests at Jatrabari in Dhaka. According to Dhaka Times editor Ariufur Rahman Dolon, Hasan was struck by a bullet in the head during the clashes and was pronounced dead at Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
Ongoing Crisis
The protests have brought significant disruption across the country, with students and job seekers demanding rational reforms in the quota system for government jobs. The situation remains highly volatile, with continued clashes and a tense standoff between protesters and authorities.