Quota movement: Protesters announce nationwide complete shutdown Thursday
Share on:
All establishments, barring hospitals and emergency services, will remain closed
In response to the recent violent attacks on the quota reform movement, leaders of the anti-discrimination student movement have declared a 'Complete Shutdown' program across the country for Thursday. The announcement, made by coordinator Asif Mahmud via a Facebook post at 8:30 pm on Wednesday, comes after the police and Chhatra League allegedly attacked peaceful protesters, resulting in the deaths of ordinary students.
According to the program details, all institutions, except for hospitals and emergency services, will remain closed on Thursday. Additionally, no vehicles other than ambulances will be allowed on the roads.
In his statement, Asif Mahmud said, "I am announcing a 'Complete Shutdown' across the country tomorrow (July 18) to protest against the brutal attack by police, BGB, RAB, SWAT on the peaceful movement of students, protest against the murder, trial of the murderers, ensure a terror-free campus and one-point demand."
The movement leaders called upon all institutions nationwide to support the program, urging students from schools, colleges, universities, private universities, and madrasas to ensure its success.
The ongoing quota reform movement turned violent on Tuesday, July 16, leading to the deaths of six individuals in clashes across various locations, including Dhaka. Hundreds of students and Chhatra League leaders were injured. In response, the Ministry of Education announced the closure of schools and colleges nationwide on Tuesday. Subsequently, all public and private universities, including Dhaka University, were declared closed on Wednesday. Despite this, Dhaka University students have refused to vacate the halls and campus, continuing their agitation.
The protests were sparked by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's comments on Sunday regarding the quota system, where she questioned, "Why is there so much anger about the liberation war? The grandchildren of freedom fighters will get nothing, the grandchildren of Razakar will get everything?" This statement was perceived by quota reform activists as branding them as 'Razakar's grandchildren,' leading to widespread protests starting Sunday night.
The movement has seen students blocking roads and railways in various locations within and outside Dhaka. To manage the situation, the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has been deployed in six districts, including the capital, since Tuesday evening.