The recent Bangladesh protests of 2024 have drawn international attention due to a severe government crackdown following student demonstrations. The protests erupted on July 15, 2024, in response to a controversial court decision reinstating a 30% job quota for children of independence war veterans, widely seen as favoring the ruling Awami League party.
Timeline of Bangladesh Protests 2024: Key Events and Government Response
The Bangladesh protests began peacefully at Dhaka University, with students calling for fair job opportunities. However, the situation quickly escalated as armed individuals, believed to be from the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), attacked protesters. On July 16, in Rangpur, police violence reached a peak when officers shot and killed Abu Sayed, a student leader, during a peaceful demonstration. This tragic incident, captured on video, became a symbol of the brutality faced by protestors.
By July 19, the protests had spread nationwide, leading to the highest single-day death toll of 75 people. The Bangladeshi government responded with an internet blackout starting July 18, aimed at stifling the flow of information and coordination among protestors. This blackout lasted until July 23, cutting off communication in a critical time.
A Closer Look
The 2024 Bangladesh protests have been marked by significant human rights violations. Over 200 people have been reported dead, and thousands more injured due to the excessive use of force by security forces. Amnesty International and other human rights organizations have condemned the use of live ammunition, birdshot, and other lethal methods against unarmed civilians. Additionally, the authorities conducted mass arrests, detaining over 2,500 individuals, including key student leaders and journalists.
The internet shutdown, which lasted for five days, further isolated Bangladesh from international observers and limited the spread of crucial information. This action has been criticised globally as a blatant violation of the right to free speech and access to information.
What’s Next for Bangladesh?
Despite the heavy-handed crackdown, protests in Bangladesh continue, with demonstrators demanding justice for the victims, release of the arrested, and a reevaluation of the job quota system. The Supreme Court’s recent decision to reduce the quota from 30% to 5% has not quelled public discontent.
Internationally, there has been widespread condemnation of the Bangladeshi government’s actions. Amnesty International and other global entities are calling for an independent investigation into the human rights abuses. There is growing pressure on Bangladesh to adhere to international human rights standards and ensure accountability for the actions of its security forces.
Bangladesh Under Global Scrutiny Amidst 2024 Protests
The 2024 protests in Bangladesh have placed the country under intense global scrutiny. The actions of the Bangladeshi government in suppressing dissent and violating human rights are being closely watched by international human rights organizations and foreign governments. As the situation develops, the global community remains concerned about the safety and rights of Bangladeshi citizens.
