Category: Bangladesh

Student leaders of the Anti-Discriminatory Student Movement have proposed Nobel Laureate Dr. Mohammad Yunus as chief advisor of an interim government in response to ongoing unrest. They claim Dr. Yunus has consented to the role. The students demand immediate formation of this government to address violence and protect minorities. They plan to announce other members soon and urge citizens to take to the streets to support their cause and safeguard public property. Daily Star

India has issued an advisory for its citizens to avoid travel to Bangladesh due to ongoing violence. The Ministry of External Affairs urges Indian nationals in Bangladesh to exercise caution, limit movements, and stay in contact with the Indian High Commission in Dhaka. Emergency contact numbers have been provided. The advisory was shared on social media by the ministry spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal. Daily Star

Bangladesh Army has called for compliance with indefinite curfew rules extended yesterday across major cities and administrative areas. The curfew, effective from 6:00pm, aims to address deteriorating law and order. The army will fulfill its constitutional role in ensuring public security and protecting state infrastructure. The government seeks cooperation from all citizens during this period of heightened security measures. Daily Star

Student anti-discrimination protesters have announced a “March to Dhaka” for Monday, demanding the resignation of Sheikh Hasina’s government. Originally planned for Tuesday, the event was moved up due to recent deaths and the current situation. Movement coordinators Asif Mahmud, Sarjis Alam, and Abu Baker Majumder confirmed the program, calling on students and citizens nationwide to participate in the march to the capital.

The 4G mobile network in Bangladesh has been shut down again after a brief seven-day restoration, following government orders due to ongoing quota reform protests. While mobile internet is unavailable, broadband services remain active. The shutdown occurred after 12:00 pm on Sunday. Social media platforms may also be affected. This follows a previous internet shutdown that lasted from July 17-28, with broadband partially restored on July 23. Prothom Alo

The Bangladesh government imposed an indefinite curfew from 6:00 PM Sunday across all divisional towns, city corporations, municipalities, district and upazila headquarters, and industrial areas due to widespread clashes. This decision comes after 52 people died in confrontations between protesters demanding government resignation and ruling party activists. The curfew, initially imposed on July 19, has now been extended nationwide except for villages, in response to escalating violence.

At least 52 people were killed and dozens injured in fierce clashes across Bangladesh during the first day of a non-cooperation movement. The government announced a three-day public holiday and imposed curfew from 6 PM. Mobile internet was shut down, and social media platforms became inaccessible. Protesters declared a long march to Dhaka. Violence erupted in multiple cities, with clashes between protesters, police, and ruling party supporters. Several vehicles and buildings were vandalized or set on fire. Daily Star

The Bangladeshi government has declared a three-day general holiday from Monday to Wednesday to ensure public safety amid ongoing violent protests across the country. Mezbah Uddin Chowdhury, senior secretary of the public administration ministry, confirmed the decision to The Daily Star, stating that an official circular will be issued shortly. Daily Star

Five people were killed and several injured in a violent clash between police, Awami League supporters, and protesters in Feni, Bangladesh. The incident occurred on the Dhaka-Chattogram highway in Mohipal area around 2:00pm. Bodies of the deceased were taken to Feni General Hospital. The identities of the victims remain unknown. Dr. Asif Iqbal confirmed five bodies are at the hospital morgue.

Retired senior military officers in Bangladesh urged the government to withdraw armed forces from the streets amid ongoing unrest. Led by former army chief Iqbal Karim Bhuiyan, they expressed concern over recent violence and called for the military to return to barracks. The group emphasized the need to protect borders, restore peace, and conduct a UN investigation into recent incidents of violence and human rights violations. Daily Star

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal stated he would resign if Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina deems it necessary. This comment came after a meeting with top law enforcement officials and in response to demands from anti-discrimination student protesters calling for his resignation. Kamal emphasized his commitment to serving the country and following the Prime Minister’s decisions regarding the current political situation in Bangladesh. bd pratidin

Protesters clashed with police at Dhaka’s Chief Metropolitan Magistrate court. Over 100 demonstrators, including pro-BNP lawyers, broke through the court’s gate and vandalized four police vehicles and two prison vans. They threw bricks at doors and windows. Police responded with tear gas and sound grenades. The incident halted all court proceedings. This occurred during ongoing political unrest in Bangladesh. Daily Star

Protests and clashes erupted across Bangladesh as part of a non-cooperation movement demanding the government’s resignation. In Dhaka, protesters gathered at Shahbagh and Science Lab, while Awami League supporters positioned themselves in Mirpur. Violent incidents occurred at BSMMU and CMM court. Two people were killed in Munshiganj during clashes. Sylhet saw protests and police action. The movement has disrupted normal life in several areas. Daily Star

Unidentified individuals set fire to vehicles at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University in Dhaka. They vandalized cars, ambulances, and buses on the premises. A clash between Awami League activists and protesters led to AL members taking shelter at the hospital. The attack caused panic among patients, staff, and visitors. This incident follows recent political tensions in Bangladesh. Daily Star

Awami League supporters gathered at Mirpur-10 intersection in Dhaka to counter protesters demanding government resignation. Led by MP Mainul Hossain Khan, they chanted slogans against Jamaat and Shibir. Unidentified youths with helmets and weapons patrolled nearby areas. Public transport was scarce. The area has been a center of recent student protests against the government. Daily Star

A 17-year-old boy, Mohammad Emon, died at Dhaka Medical College Hospital from bullet wounds sustained during recent violence in Bangladesh’s capital. He was shot on July 19 during clashes between police and protesters in Natun Bazar area. Emon’s death brings the total fatalities related to the quota reform protests to 209, according to The Daily Star’s count. The actual toll may be higher due to unconfirmed reports of critically injured victims at various hospitals.

Leaders of Bangladesh’s Anti-Discrimination Student Movement deny withdrawing their protest, calling circulating social media statements “fake” and “government propaganda.” They affirm the continuation of nationwide protests, including a planned non-cooperation movement. The coordinators refute claims of giving a seven-day ultimatum to the government and emphasize their unanimous decision not to engage in discussions with authorities. They plan to announce the movement’s outline at a gathering at Shaheed Minar. Daily Star

10 Minute School, a major Bangladeshi online education platform, has indefinitely suspended its online and offline classes amid ongoing national protests. Founded in 2015 by Ayman Sadiq, the platform will keep existing teaching videos available. This announcement follows a recent decision by Startup Bangladesh Limited, a government-sponsored venture capital fund, to cancel a proposed Tk 5 crore investment in the edtech company.

A case has been filed against 1,000 unnamed individuals for the death of police constable Suman Gharami during protests in Khulna, Bangladesh. The constable, who served as a bodyguard, was reportedly beaten to death by agitators. Around 20-25 other officers were injured. No arrests have been made yet. Two additional cases were filed for vandalism and assault on police during the incident. Daily Star

Habiganj, Bangladesh, imposes 12-hour curfew following violent clashes between protesters and police. A 24-year-old electrical worker, Mustak Ahmed, was killed in the incident. While the deputy commissioner confirmed the curfew, the local police superintendent claimed no knowledge of the murder. The hospital doctor reported severe hand injuries on the victim, with more details pending. DailyStar

Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina invites protesting students to Gono Bhaban for talks to end quota reform violence. She expressed her desire to listen to the students and avoid conflict during a meeting with the Professionals Coordination Council. The prime minister’s call for dialogue aims to address the ongoing unrest surrounding the quota system in government jobs. BSS

The Anti-discriminatory Student Movement in Bangladesh announced nationwide demonstrations and a non-cooperation movement starting Sunday to protest recent killings and push for their nine-point demand. The group, which led previous quota reform protests, calls for no tax or utility bill payments, closure of government offices, and restricted vehicle movement to key government buildings. Their demands include apologies and resignations from several high-ranking government officials, including the Prime Minister. Daily Star

Thousands gathered in Dhaka for “Droho Jatra” protest, demanding justice for those killed in recent violence and the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government. Demonstrators included students, teachers, and civil society members. They called for an end to mass arrests, release of detained students, and withdrawal of curfew. The protest culminated at the Central Shaheed Minar, with organizers announcing a mass procession for the following day to press their demands. Daily Star

UNICEF reports 32 children killed in July protests in Bangladesh, with more injured and detained. Regional Director Sanjay Wijesekera condemned violence against children and urged their protection. He called for an end to child detention and emphasized children’s rights to freedom of association and peaceful assembly. UNICEF is providing psychosocial support and urges school reopening, as 30 million students have missed 10 days of school due to unrest. UNB

Two Dhaka courts granted bail to 42 HSC examinees involved in cases related to the recent quota reform movement. A lawyer filed separate writ petitions seeking bail for students accused in 34 cases across various police stations. Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Md Rashidul Alam granted bail to 37 students from Dhaka city, while Senior Judicial Magistrate M Mustafizur Rahman granted bail to five students from three upazilas: Shavar, Shulia, and Keraniganj. Daily Star

During the recent quota-reform movement in Bangladesh, about two dozen ministers and MPs left the country, while some returned from abroad. Many influential figures departed on July 14, sensing potential unrest. Destinations included the US, UK, Canada, Singapore, Australia, India, Thailand, China, and Dubai. This exodus during a crisis has drawn criticism within the ruling Awami League party. Some notable departures included former Finance Minister A H M Mustafa Kamal and State Minister for Primary Education Rumana Ali. Several lawmakers also returned to Bangladesh as the situation stabilized. Bd Pratidin

Professor Shamima Sultana, Bangla department chair at Jahangirnagar University, has removed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s portrait from her office in protest of the government’s handling of the quota reform movement. She accused the PM of ordering violent attacks on students and lying about the incidents. Sultana kept Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s portrait but removed Hasina’s, stating she couldn’t display the image of someone responsible for student deaths. The action has gained attention on social media, challenging a 2002 government order to display the PM’s portrait in official spaces. Prothom Alo

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina invited the UN and other countries to investigate recent violent incidents in Bangladesh. She emphasized the need for thorough investigations and fair trials, regardless of who the perpetrators are. Hasina criticized false propaganda tarnishing Bangladesh’s image abroad and expressed concern about militant activities. She announced plans to ban Jamaat-e-Islami and its student wing under the Anti-Terrorism Act. The PM also questioned the continuation of quota reform protests despite fulfilling demands and criticized intellectuals supporting the movement. UNB

The University Teachers’ Network in Bangladesh condemned alleged police misconduct towards two Dhaka University professors who were protecting protesting students. The incident involved Prof Nusrat Jahan Chowdury and Lecturer Shehreen Amin Bhuiyan from the public administration department. The network called for an investigation, describing the attack as a “severe blow to university autonomy.” They plan a protest rally on campus and expressed solidarity with students demanding government resignation, justice for killings, release of detainees, curfew withdrawal, and reopening of educational institutions. Daily Star

Bangladesh’s Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan stated that the country’s situation is normalizing and the curfew will be lifted soon. In a meeting with UN Resident Coordinator Gwyn Lewis, he addressed concerns about the use of UN-marked vehicles and the killing of a teenager. Khan explained that the teen was involved in a police officer’s murder. He defended the actions of security forces, saying they were forced to respond to escalating violence. The minister expects a return to normalcy shortly. Daily Star

Bangladesh’s government has announced a relaxation of the nationwide curfew for four days starting July 31 in Dhaka, Narayanganj, Gazipur, and Narsingdi districts. Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan stated that the curfew will be lifted from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm daily, citing improving conditions across the country. The minister did not provide specific details about reopening educational institutions or fully restoring internet services, indicating that the Education Minister and State Minister for ICT would address these matters separately. UNB

Nine new judges were sworn in to the High Court Division of Bangladesh’s Supreme Court on Tuesday. Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan administered the oath at the Supreme Court’s Judges’ Lounge. The judges, previously serving as additional justices, were appointed by President Mohammed Shahabuddin. The new appointees are Justices Mohammad Showkat Ali Chowdhury, Md Atabullah, Biswajit Debnath, Md Ali Reza, Md Bazlur Rahman, KM Emrul Kayesh, Fahmida Quader, Md Bashir Ullah, and AKM Rabiul Hassan. This expands the High Court bench with permanent judges. UNB

Students Against Discrimination (SAD), the group leading quota reform protests in Bangladesh, has announced a ‘March for Justice’ on Wednesday. The march will take place at educational institutions, courts, and major roads across the country to protest recent violence against students and push for their nine-point demand. SAD coordinator Abdul Kader announced the program, urging students, teachers, lawyers, and citizens to join. The group also conducted a silent protest on Tuesday, with participants wearing red cloth gags and blindfolds. Prothom Alo

Following a recent internet blackout amid protests, Bangladesh restored 4G services on Sunday. However, users in Dhaka reported slow internet speeds starting Monday afternoon, despite 4G symbols showing on devices. Speed tests revealed significantly lower rates than typical 4G speeds. The slowdown is affecting various online activities and businesses. Government officials were unavailable for immediate comment on the situation. Prothom alo

The Bangladesh Police underwent a significant reshuffle, with the Public Security Division of the Home Ministry issuing four separate gazette notifications. The transfers include two Additional Inspector Generals of Police (AIGPs), five Additional Deputy Inspector Generals (ADIGs), and 48 Superintendents of Police (SPs). Among those transferred are AIGPs AKM Shahidur Rahman and Krishna Pada Roy. The orders, which affect various high-ranking police officials, have taken immediate effect. Source:Prothom alo

Three coordinators of Bangladesh’s quota reform movement – Nahid Islam, Asif Mahmud, and Abu Baker – were taken into custody by the Detective Branch (DB) of police from Gonoshasthaya Nagar Hospital in Dhaka. The students, who had been receiving treatment following alleged abductions and releases earlier, were forcibly removed from the hospital by plainclothes officers. DB officials later confirmed the detentions, citing security reasons and the need to question them about recent violence. The incident has raised concerns among activists and family members. Prothom Alo