Police and Chhatra League Clash with Quota Protestors: Four Killed in Nationwide Violence

Violence erupted across Bangladesh today as police and Chhatra League activists clashed with protestors demanding reforms to the government job quota system. So far, four people have been reported killed in the clashes, with incidents occurring in Chittagong, Dhaka, and Rangpur.

Chittagong

The clashes in Chittagong began at 3 pm on Tuesday in areas such as Muradpur, Gate No. 2, and Sholshahar. Prior to the clashes, Chhatra League and Jubo League members had taken positions at various intersections from noon, vandalizing a bus near Gate No. 2. The violence resulted in the deaths of two individuals: Wasim, a student of Chittagong College from Pekua, Cox's Bazar, and an unidentified pedestrian named Farooq.

Brigadier General Mohammad Taslim Uddin, Director of Chamek Hospital, confirmed the fatalities.

Currently, there are ongoing confrontations between quota agitators and Chhatra League members in the Sholshahr Education Board area, with both sides armed with local weapons.

Dhaka

In Dhaka, an unidentified young man, approximately 25 years old, was killed in a clash between BCL and quota activists near Dhaka College. The victim was brought to Dhaka Medical College Hospital by a passerby, but he was declared dead on arrival. The young man had sustained sharp weapon injuries to his face and below his ears.

Rangpur

In Rangpur, Abu Saeed, a coordinator of the quota reform movement at Begum Rokeya University (Berobi) and a student in the English Department, was killed in a clash with police. The incident occurred around 2:30 pm when students from Rangpur Khamar junction attempted to enter the university campus. The police opened fire with rubber bullets, leading to Saeed's death.

Background and Nationwide Protests

The unrest began following a statement by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday, questioning the opposition to the liberation war and implying that quotas for the grandchildren of freedom fighters should be maintained. Quota reform activists interpreted this as being labeled 'grandchildren of Razakars,' sparking widespread anger.

Since Sunday night, students from various educational institutions, including Dhaka University, have been protesting, demanding the withdrawal of the Prime Minister's comments and calling for quota reforms. On Monday, clashes between Chhatra League and protestors in Dhaka University resulted in over 300 injuries. The violence continued into Tuesday, with students blocking roads in multiple locations across the capital and other cities, leading to widespread disruptions.

Government Response

To control the escalating situation, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has been deployed in four districts, including the capital, Dhaka. Despite the deployment, clashes continue, and the situation remains volatile.

The country watches as the government and protestors clash over a contentious issue, with the demand for quota reform leading to significant unrest and violence.