Six Killed in Clashes Over Quota Reform Movement in Bangladesh

The ongoing movement demanding reform of the quota system in government jobs has turned increasingly violent, resulting in clashes between police, Chhatra League leaders, and activists across various parts of Bangladesh. So far, six people have been reported killed, with clashes still continuing in some areas.

Among the deceased, three were killed in Chittagong, two in Dhaka, and one in Rangpur. The victims include three students, one pedestrian, and two individuals whose identities have not yet been confirmed.

Chittagong

Clashes erupted between Chhatra League, Jubo League, and quota agitators in Muradpur, Gate No. 2, and Sholshahar of the city around 3 pm on Tuesday. Prior to this, leaders and activists of Chhatra League and Jubo League had taken positions at various intersections from noon and vandalized a bus in the gate number two area.

The deceased were identified as Wasim, Faisal Ahmed Shanto, and Farooq. Wasim was a student of Chittagong College and a resident of Pekua, Cox's Bazar. Faisal Ahmed was a student of MES College, Shanta Nagar. Farooq's identity as a pedestrian remains unknown.

Brigadier General Mohammad Taslim Uddin, director of Chamek Hospital, confirmed the deaths of the three individuals.

Dhaka

An unidentified youth (25) was killed in a clash between BCL and quota activists opposite Dhaka College. The youth was brought to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) by a passerby in the afternoon. Bachchu Mia, the in-charge inspector of the DMCH police camp, confirmed the death, noting sharp weapon injuries on the youth's face and below his ears.

Another youth named Monir was killed in a clash at the Sciencelab intersection in Dhaka. It is yet to be confirmed if Monir was a student or a pedestrian. The clash occurred on Tuesday afternoon, and Monir was later declared dead at Popular Medical Hospital. Bachchu Mia confirmed Monir's death upon arrival at DMCH by ambulance at 7:50 pm.

Rangpur

Abu Saeed, a member of the Quota Reform Movement's Coordinating Committee and a student of Begum Rokeya University (Berobi), was killed in a clash with police in Rangpur on Tuesday. Saeed, a 12th batch student of the English Department, was the son of Maqbul Hossain from Babanpur, Pirganj Upazila, Rangpur.

Eyewitnesses reported that students marched from Rangpur Khamar junction to the university's 1st gate around 2 pm, chanting slogans. When they attempted to enter the campus, police intervened, leading to a clash during which police fired about 200 rounds of bullets and rubber bullets. Abu Saeed was killed in the police firing.

Background

The protests were sparked by comments from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during a press conference on Sunday, where she questioned, "Why is there so much anger about the liberation war? The grandchildren of freedom fighters will get nothing, so will the grandchildren of Razakar get everything?" This remark was perceived by quota reform activists as labeling them as 'children or grandchildren of Rajakar', prompting widespread protests starting from Sunday night.

Clashes began at Dhaka University on Monday afternoon, with Chhatra League activists and quota reform protesters facing off. Over 300 students were injured in clashes that lasted from 3 pm to 9 pm. By 10 pm, protesters had announced new programs and called upon students and the public nationwide to join the movement.

On Tuesday, students from various public and private universities blocked roads at 15-20 locations across the capital from 11 am, paralyzing Dhaka. Clashes between Chhatra League and police occurred in Dhaka's ScienceLab and Chankharpool areas, as well as in other cities like Chittagong, Rajshahi, Rangpur, and Bogra. The government has deployed BGB (Border Guard Bangladesh) in four districts, including Dhaka, to control the situation.