Category: Quota Movement

A UN Human Rights Office report indicates excessive force and extrajudicial killings by Bangladeshi security forces during recent protests that led to the Awami League government’s ouster. Over 600 deaths were reported between July 16 and August 11, with widespread injuries and arrests. The report cites disproportionate use of force, arbitrary arrests, and restrictions on communication. The UN recommends prioritizing de-escalation, restoring democratic order, and ensuring accountability for rights violations during the transition process. the daily star

The UN will send a fact-finding team to Bangladesh to investigate atrocities committed during recent student-led protests. UN human rights chief Volker Turk informed Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus of this decision. This will be the first UN fact-finding mission to Bangladesh since its independence in 1971. Yunus expressed gratitude for the UN’s support and emphasized that human rights protection would be a priority for the interim government.

During recent protests in Bangladesh, six women and girls were killed by stray bullets inside their homes. Victims include Maya Islam, Naima Sultana, Riya Gope, Nasima Akter, Liza Aktar, and Sumaiya Akhter. The shootings occurred between July 18-20, with allegations of indiscriminate firing by security forces. Families are devastated, questioning safety even inside homes. The interim government’s home adviser stated that giving lethal weapons to police was a mistake. prothom alo

Bangladesh Education Minister says conditions not suitable for reopening schools. University teachers may be excluded from the controversial “Prottoy” pension scheme, following discussions with officials. However, teachers continue protests until official notification. The new scheme would deduct 10% of basic salary for pensions, eliminating gratuity. Teachers from 35 public universities are abstaining from work, demanding better pay grades and benefits. The daily star

Quota reform activist Nahid Islam was allegedly abducted and tortured by law enforcers in Bangladesh. CCTV footage shows Rapid Action Battalion vehicles present during his first disappearance. Nahid was found injured 24 hours later, then detained again while in hospital. Authorities deny involvement. The incident raises concerns about illegal detentions and lack of accountability in law enforcement actions. The daily star

Quota reform protesters demonstrated across Bangladesh, facing police dispersal and detentions. At least 80 were detained, including 10 in Chattogram where clashes occurred. In Dhaka, 70 were detained from various locations. Protests also took place in Rajshahi, Barishal, Noakhali, and other cities. Some protesters rejected the government’s call for nationwide mourning, instead urging students to cover their faces with red cloth. The ongoing curfew in several areas will be relaxed for 11 hours today. The daily star

During the quota reform protests in Bangladesh, 424 people were treated at the National Institute of Ophthalmology & Hospital for injuries from teargas and pellets. 278 patients required eye surgery, with many fearing permanent vision loss. The hospital treated patients between July 17-22, with 318 admitted. Victims included both protesters and bystanders. The hospital director reported that most injuries were from pellets, and patients will require follow-up care to assess vision recovery. Prothom alo

74 prominent Bangladeshi citizens have called for a UN-led investigation into the deaths and injuries during recent quota reform protests. They demand justice for over 200 reported casualties, mostly students. The group criticizes the government’s response, including alleged excessive force and arbitrary arrests. They urge compensation for victims’ families, release of detained protesters, and withdrawal of curfews. The signatories include human rights activists, economists, lawyers, and academics. Prothom alo

Babul Hawlader, a 50-year-old house painter, died from bullet injuries sustained during the quota reform protests in Bangladesh, raising the death toll to 211. He was shot in Dhaka’s Palashbag area on July 19 and succumbed to his injuries at Dhaka Medical College Hospital on Sunday night. Hawlader, originally from Munsiganj, lived in Rampura with his family and is survived by two sons and a daughter. Prothom alo

Rajshahi University students held a peaceful demonstration and procession to press their 9-point demand, including justice for students killed during quota reform protests. Several professors joined in solidarity. Protesters chanted slogans and highlighted their demands. The event lasted about an hour, ending in Binodpur area. Law enforcement maintained a presence, and the situation remained under control, according to local police officials. Prothom alo

Bangladesh will observe a national day of mourning on Tuesday for victims of recent quota reform protests. The cabinet, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, approved the decision. Citizens will wear black badges and offer prayers. Home Minister Azaduzzaman Khan reported 150 deaths during the violence, including police officers, political activists, students, and others. Authorities are working to finalize the death toll and victim demographics.Prothom alo

A Dhaka court granted a five-day remand for eight opposition figures, including BNP’s Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Mia Golam Parwar, and Gono Odhikar Parishad’s Nurul Haque Nur. The remand, reduced from the police’s initial 10-day request, also includes five other BNP members. The decision came after a hearing where the defendants’ lawyers appealed against the remand. The case was filed at Kafrul police station.Source:Prothom alo

Bangladesh’s home minister Asaduzzaman Khan reported that 147 people, including students, police, and civilians, have died in clashes related to the quota reform movement. The protests, which began on July 1, turned violent nationwide from July 16. The government is continuing investigations, and the death toll may increase. However, Prothom Alo’s independent count suggests at least 210 deaths as of July 27.Source:Prothom alo

The Bangladesh government ordered a nationwide internet shutdown during recent protests, affecting both mobile and broadband services. Officials cited a fire at a data center as the cause, but investigations revealed this was not accurate. The shutdown lasted several days, with services gradually resuming. Critics argue the government’s explanations for the outage are unfounded, suggesting it was a deliberate measure to control information flow during unrest. Source:Prothom alo

A young man, Mahamudur Rahman, was killed by police gunfire during a quota reform protest in Dhaka. His grieving family, including father Mahabuber Rahman, shared memories of the 19-year-old victim. Mahamudur had recently passed his HSC exam and was preparing for university. The family chose not to file a case or conduct an autopsy to avoid harassment. The incident has left the family in deep sorrow.Source:Prothom alo