Dhaka, July 17, 2024 – Recent protests in Bangladesh have escalated into violent confrontations between students and law enforcement (as well as pro government parties like chhatra league), resulting in numerous casualties ( at least 6 death) and widespread unrest. The demonstrations, primarily driven by student demands to lower or abolish the quota for descendants of freedom fighters ( women, disability) in public university admissions and government jobs, have intensified over the past weeks.

Students argue that the quota system hinders merit-based admissions and calls for a fairer process. The government's lack of meaningful dialogue with protesters has exacerbated tensions. Reports indicate that the Chhatra League, a student wing aligned with the ruling party, along with police and other armed forces, have clashed violently with protesters, leading to fatalities and injuries.

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have documented excessive use of force by law enforcement against peaceful demonstrators. Rubber bullets, tear gas, and baton charges have been deployed, including in inappropriate areas such as near hospitals. Eyewitnesses have also reported attacks by individuals in civilian clothes, believed to be members of the Chhatra League, who joined the police in assaulting protesters.

The international community has expressed deep concern over these human rights violations. Amnesty International urges the Bangladeshi government to ensure law enforcement adheres to international standards and respects citizens' rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. Human Rights Watch has highlighted the government's use of criminal charges to intimidate opposition members and protesters, calling for an immediate cessation of such practices.

As protests continue, the situation remains volatile. The international community closely monitors developments, urging the Bangladeshi government to engage in dialogue with students and address their legitimate concerns to prevent further violence and uphold democratic principles.


For more details, please visit:

Al Jazeera Analysis: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/7/16/whats-behind-bangladeshs-violent-quota-protests

Amnesty International Witness Testimony: https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2024/07/bangladesh-witness-testimony-video-and-photographic-analysis-confirm-police-used-unlawful-force-against-protesters/

Human Rights Watch Excessive Force Report: https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/08/02/bangladesh-excessive-force-against-political-protesters#:~:text=(New%20York)%20%E2%80%93%20Bangladesh%20police,Human%20Rights%20Watch%20said%20today.

The Daily Star Coverage 1: The Daily Star - https://www.thedailystar.net/campus/news/no-electricity-ju-halls-protesters-fear-police-crackdown-3659391

The Daily Star Coverage 2: https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/rights/news/al-outside-police-inside-du-remains-encompassed-3659406

UN Human Rights Chief urges Bangladesh authorities: https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/un-human-rights-chief-urges-bangladesh-authorities-engage-quota-protesters-901556