The Beginning of the Unrest
In response to the reinstatement of the controversial quota system for the civil service e positions, peaceful student protests erupted across Bangladesh in mid-June 20247. What began as a non-violent demonstrations quickly escalated into violence, with security forces accused of committing serious human rights violations. Reports indicate that hundreds of people have been killed, including at least 32 children, and thousands more injured.
There are credible claims that the security forces used excessive and disproportionate force in suppressing the protests, prompting calls for independent investigations. Alleged abuses include extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, torture, and severe curtailment of freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly. These incidents represent a significant threat to human rights in Bangladesh, highlighting the urgent need for transparency and accountability.
Following widespread protests and civil unrest, the government of Bangladesh resigned on 5 August 2024, paving the way for a civilian-led Interim Government to oversee fresh elections. This change marks a pivotal moment in the nation's political landscape. Thousands of detainees and long-term political prisoners, including victims of enforced disappearances, have since been released. High-level security officials, including the Inspector General of Police and the head of the paramilitary Rapid Action Battalion, have been replaced, though broader reforms and vetting within the security forces remain necessary.
Despite these positive steps, serious concerns persist. Reports of looting, arson, and attacks on religious minorities, as well as reprisals against members of the former ruling party, Awami League, and the police, continue to surface. This period of transition offers an unprecedented opportunity for Bangladesh to restore democratic governance, reinforce the rule of law, and strengthen human rights protections.
A key task ahead is the need for comprehensive, impartial investigations into all alleged human rights violations and acts of violence that occurred from July to early August 2024. Ensuring accountability and redress for victims is essential to preventing future abuses. Interim Government leaders, including Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus and the Chief of Army Staff, have pledged to investigate unlawful deaths, signaling a commitment to justice.
In a press statement on 4 August 2024, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights called for an independent investigation to maintain public trust and offered the support of his Office. According to some reports, The OHCHR has made several recommendations for the Interim Government to ensure accountability, in line with Bangladesh’s international human rights obligations, and to provide remedies for victims. The report also suggests reforms to the security sector and other critical areas to de-escalate tensions and guide Bangladesh toward a peaceful, democratic, and inclusive transition.
The Background
The student protests in Bangladesh, which erupted in mid-June 2024, were triggered by the High Court’s decision to reinstate a controversial quota system. This system reserves 30% of government jobs for descendants of veterans from Bangladesh's 1971 Liberation War, a significant constituency for the ruling Awami League. The quota system, abolished in 2018 after similar massive protests, was challenged by seven descendants of combatants in 2024, leading to widespread dissatisfaction among students and young professionals, who saw the move as discriminatory and favoring political elites.
The protests, led by the "Students Against Discrimination" movement, quickly gained momentum, reflecting not only frustrations over the quota but also deeper economic grievances. With youth unemployment in Bangladesh at 12.3% in 2023, according to the International Labour Organization (ILO), graduates face limited job opportunities. This economic dissatisfaction fueled the unrest, leading thousands of students to join protests across the nation.
As the situation escalated, the Bangladesh government filed an appeal with the Supreme Court to review the High Court's decision. However, the protests became a focal point for broader frustrations, with participants demanding reforms in governance and economic justice. Amid increasing tension, senior government officials made inflammatory remarks, with Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader referring to protesters as "razakars," a derogatory term historically associated with collaborators during the 1971 war. This language inflamed tensions, resulting in violent clashes between protesters and government supporters.
On 15 July 2024, violence surged when the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), the student wing of the ruling party, attacked protesters at Dhaka University and Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Armed with rods and firearms, these attacks left many injured. Police did little to prevent the violence, further escalating public anger. The killing of student leader Abu Sayed by police on 16 July in Rangpur, despite posing no visible threat, further ignited outrage as images of his death circulated on social media.
In response to the growing unrest, the government deployed paramilitary units such as the Border Guard Bangladesh and Rapid Action Battalion, both accused of past human rights violations. On 16 July, schools and universities across Bangladesh were indefinitely closed. The government promised investigations into the violence and deaths, establishing a judicial probe committee to investigate the deaths of six individuals and related incidents. However, the government also imposed harsh measures, including a nationwide internet shutdown on 18 July, severely restricting communication and news coverage.
As protests expanded beyond the student community, gaining support from opposition political parties like the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and various labor unions, the government claimed that "anti-liberation forces" had infiltrated the movement, leading to further violence. By 19 July, widespread unrest had resulted in the storming of a jail in Narsingdi, where over 850 inmates were freed. Later that day, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police banned all rallies in the capital, and on 20 July, the Prime Minister imposed a nationwide curfew under the Special Powers Act of 1974.
These protests have highlighted the deep economic and political tensions in Bangladesh. The movement, initially focused on opposing the reinstated quota system, quickly transformed into a broader call for democratic governance, educational reform, and economic opportunity. As the situation unfolds, the government's response will be critical in shaping the future of Bangladesh's political and economic landscape.
On 22 July 2024, Bangladesh's Supreme Court ruled to re-apportion the controversial quota system, allocating 93% of government jobs based on merit, 5% for freedom fighters and their descendants, 1% for persons with disabilities, and 1% for indigenous communities. While the government accepted the Court’s decision and publicly notified the change, the demands of the protesters had already escalated. The “Students Against Discrimination” movement issued a nine-point list of demands, including a public apology from the Prime Minister for the mass killings of students, the resignation of key ministers, an inquiry into the excessive use of force, and the release of arrested protesters.
Despite the partial restoration of internet and mobile services on 24 July, reports of arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, and sexual harassment against women protesters continued to emerge. Additionally, with one-third of the security forces from Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar reassigned to handle the protests, security incidents in the camps increased.
On 30 July, the Prime Minister announced an expanded judicial probe into the violence, including the deaths that occurred between 16 and 21 July. However, no new names were revealed for the investigation committee. The situation remained volatile, and on 31 July, the opposition Jamaat-e-Islami party and its student wing were banned for their alleged involvement in the protests. Despite these measures, renewed protests on 1 and 2 August demanded the release of detainees and justice for those killed by law enforcement, resulting in further violence and casualties.
By 3 August, student leaders called for nationwide civil disobedience until the Prime Minister's resignation, sparking widespread clashes. On 4 August, as violence escalated, 98 people, including 13 police officers, were killed in confrontations between protesters, pro-government groups, and law enforcement. In the wake of this turmoil, the ruling Awami League clashed with protesters, while the military maintained a neutral stance. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina declared a nationwide curfew and a general holiday to quell the unrest. However, defiant students organized a "March to Dhaka," demanding her resignation. Mobile internet was shutdown again, and clashes near Dhaka’s Shaheed Minar resulted in multiple deaths.
On 5 August, amid the protests, Prime Minister Hasina left the country. The Bangladesh Army Chief announced her resignation and plans to form an Interim Government. In response, protesters stormed the Prime Minister’s residence, vandalized the Chief Justice's house, and destroyed the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum. The chaos resulted in over 100 deaths as retaliatory attacks targeted police and Awami League leaders, with properties, police stations, and party offices being torched.
Following the government’s resignation, Bangladesh’s law and order situation remained unstable. Law enforcement officials withdrew in many areas, fearing reprisals. Attacks on minority communities, particularly Hindus, surged in the days after the change of government. In 27 districts, Hindu homes, properties, and places of worship were attacked, including the ISKCON temple in Meherpur, which was vandalized and set ablaze. In response, student organizations and citizens formed protective groups to safeguard minority communities and religious sites.
Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Chief Advisor to the Interim Government, condemned these attacks on minorities as "heinous." Meanwhile, AFM Khalid Hossain, Religious Affairs Adviser, announced the creation of a hotline for reporting attacks on minorities and a compiled list of damaged religious sites for restoration efforts.
What to Conclude:-
Conclusion: The Global Implications of Bangladesh Unrest
The ongoing unrest and protests in Bangladesh, driven by political turmoil and social grievances, are not confined to the country's borders. The ripple effects of this instability have far-reaching consequences on a global scale. For businesses, this unrest can disrupt supply chains, particularly in the garment industry, which is a cornerstone of Bangladesh's economy. Investors may find the current instability discouraging, leading to capital flight and economic downturns that could resonate globally.
Moreover, the humanitarian implications are significant, with potential refugee outflows and human rights violations drawing international concern. Global organizations and neighboring countries must take note, as the situation in Bangladesh could exacerbate regional tensions, particularly in South Asia, where geopolitical stability is already fragile.
In conclusion, the unrest in Bangladesh is a critical issue that demands global attention. The international community, including major powers and global institutions, must actively engage in finding a resolution. By doing so, they not only support peace and stability in Bangladesh but also safeguard their own economic interests and promote global stability.
*This article is Inspired from several Media houses and news articles from Firstpost, The New York Times, the Hindu, BBC and Reuters.*