France-based human rights organization committed to justice, human rights, and the rule of law, JMBF condemns the excessive use of force by law enforcement agencies and the violent actions perpetrated by the Chhatra League. The right to peaceful assembly and protest is a fundamental democratic principle, and it is distressing to witness the brutal suppression of these rights.
According to reports published in several national and international news media, at least six people, including three students, were killed, and several hundred were injured in clashes between quota protesters, Chhatra League (BCL) activists, and police across Bangladesh yesterday, July 16, 2024.
Dhaka: In the capital, two people died after being attacked in the Dhaka College and Science Lab areas, where protesters and BCL activists engaged in pitched battles for over seven hours. Following Monday's BCL attacks on the Dhaka University campus, the quota protests swelled with students from private universities and colleges joining. The violence quickly spread nationwide, with clashes reported in Rajshahi, Bogura, Jhenidah, Cox's Bazar, Narsingdi, Sirajganj, Barishal, Kishoreganj, and Faridpur.
Protesters blocked key intersections in the capital, including Jatrabari, Science Lab, Pragati Sarani, Shantinagar, Badda, Motijheel Shapla Chattar, Tantibazar, Uttara, and Beribandh, halting traffic. They also blocked rail lines in Mohakhali for more than six hours, disrupting communications between Dhaka and most parts of the country. Additionally, they obstructed the Dhaka-Chattogram, Dhaka-Sylhet, Dhaka-Tangail, Dhaka-Mymensingh, and Chattogram-Cox's Bazar highways for most of the day.
Tension was high on public university campuses following the attacks on Dhaka University and Jahangirnagar University students on Monday and early Tuesday. In Dhaka, Chhatra League and quota protesters held separate rallies on the DU campus. Both groups ended their programs without major incidents. However, there was chaos in the Dhaka College and Science Lab areas, with violence also erupting in Chankharpul, Rayshahebbazar of Old Dhaka, Bhatara on Pragati Sarani, Mirpur-10, and Farmgate.
Two youths were killed during clashes in the Dhaka College and Science Lab areas. One of the victims, Md Shajahan, 24, a hawker, was found in a pool of blood near City College and declared dead at Dhaka Medical College Hospital around 7:00 pm. Another youth, Sabuj Ali, 25, was found with critical head injuries near Dhaka College and later declared dead at DMCH.
The Science Lab area turned into a battle zone as clashes continued between quota protesters and BCL activists for over seven hours. Both groups, armed with sticks, threw bricks at each other. The clash began around 1:45 pm and finally ended after 8:45 pm. At least 127 people, including protesters and BCL activists, were injured. Two police personnel were assaulted, and a police box was vandalized. Around 7:00 pm, protesters chased away Awami League leader and former MP Haji Salim at Science Lab intersection near LabAid Hospital.
In Old Dhaka's Rayshahebbazar intersection, four students of Jagannath University and a student of Kobi Nazrul Government College were shot during clashes with AL and Jubo League activists. The injured students were undergoing treatment at DMCH. Around noon, a brief clash broke out between students of Dhaka International University, United International University, and American International University, Bangladesh, and BCL activists in the Bhatara area.
Chattogram: Three people were killed during clashes between quota protesters and BCL men in Chattogram. The victims were identified as Wasim Akram, 24, a student of Chittagong College; Faisal Ahmed, 24, a student of management at Omargani MES College; and Md Faruk, 32, an employee of a furniture shop, according to Chittagong Medical College Hospital doctors and police. About 30 injured people were admitted to the hospital.
Protesters planned to hold a rally in the Sholashahar Railway Station area around 3:00 pm, but BCL activists occupied the venue from 1:00 pm. When demonstrators approached the venue, BCL men attacked them at Muradpur, Sholashahar Railway Station, and Sholashahar Gate No. 2, leading to chases and counter-chases. Several gunshots were heard during the clashes. BCL activists threw bricks and flower pots at protesters from a residential building, leading demonstrators to storm the building and beat up BCL men. Some BCL activists tried to escape by climbing down the building using external plumbing.
Rangpur: Abu Sayed, 25, a student of the English department at Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur, was killed during a clash between police and protesters on campus. Sayed, the son of Mokbul Hossain from Babanpur village in Rangpur's Pirganj upazila, was shot in the chest during the clash. Protesters set fire to the residence of Begum Rokeya University's vice-chancellor following Sayed's death. They also ransacked the ground floor of the residence, confining VC Prof Abdur Rashid and 15 to 20 others to the building.
JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France stands in solidarity with the victims of this violence and their families and calls upon the Bangladeshi government to immediately cease all acts of violence against peaceful protesters and to ensure that those responsible for these brutal acts are held accountable.
JMBF also urges the Bangladeshi government to respect the fundamental rights of its citizens, including the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.
In addition, JMBF calls for the government to engage in meaningful dialogue with the protesters to address their legitimate demands and grievances.
JMBF urges the international community, human rights organizations, and concerned citizens worldwide to condemn the actions that led to these tragic events and to support efforts to restore peace, justice, and the protection of human rights in Bangladesh.
JMBF calls for an independent and transparent investigation into the incidents of July 16, 2024, to ensure justice for the victims and to prevent such tragedies in the future.
JMBF also urges the concerned authorities to ensure psychological and medical integrity for the victims and their families, as well as financial compensation for all victims and their families.
JMBF believes that the use of force against peaceful protesters is unacceptable and must be addressed with urgency and sincerity.
In these difficult times, JMBF reaffirms its commitment to advocating for justice, human rights, and the rule of law in Bangladesh.
JMBF stands with the people of Bangladesh in their struggle for a fair and equitable society.
Thank you
Advocate Shahanur Islam
Founder President
JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF)
For further information, please contact:
JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF)
Email: info@jmbf.org
Phone: +33 (0)7 83 95 23 15
Website: www.jmbf.org
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Advocate Shahanur Islam | An Young, Ascendant, Dedicated Human Rights Defender, Lawyer and Blogger from Bangladesh, Fighting for Ensuring Human Rights, Rule of Law, Good Governance, Peace and Social Justice For the Victim of Torture, Extra Judicial Killing, Force Disappearance, Trafficking in Persons including Ethnic, Religious, Sexual and Social Minority People.
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