Dhaka: Students clashed with police during the “Bangla Blockade” on July 11 last year as they protested for quota reform in government jobs. The confrontations occurred despite government calls for students to return to their campuses and warnings against public disruptions.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, at least 50 protesters sustained injuries as police used baton charges and tear gas to disperse crowds in various locations, including Dhaka, Cumilla, and Chattogram. In Cumilla, police also fired blank shots to control the situation. The afternoon saw escalated tensions as students attempted to block roads, highways, and railways, defying police barricades.
The protests were a continuation of demonstrations that began on July 1, with students from public universities and colleges, along with jobseekers, demanding changes to the government job quota system. The demonstrations had previously faced no interference from law enforcement until July 10. On July 11, rain delayed the Dhaka protest, which started at 3:30 pm, with students gathering at Shahbagh.
Police presence at Shahbagh increased as the day progressed, with barricades, water cannons, and armored vehicles deployed to prevent protesters from advancing. Protesters at Shahbagh chanted slogans against police intervention and the quota system. Meanwhile, students from other universities faced police obstruction, with at least 10 students injured near Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University.
In several cities, including Cumilla, Chattogram, and Sylhet, clashes and injuries were reported as police charged batons on students attempting to block key routes. Protests also occurred in Rajshahi, Barishal, Kushtia, Khulna, Jashore, Gopalganj, and Pabna, causing widespread disruption.
Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader criticized the movement, alleging it was being used as an anti-government campaign. The University Grants Commission urged universities to bring students back to classes, while the Bangladesh Chhatra League accused political manipulation of the reform movement.
Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal described the protests as conspiracies against the government. On the same day, the High Court released a verdict declaring the 2018 government circular abolishing the quota system illegal, granting the government authority to reform the quota system.
Despite the court ruling, student protesters vowed to continue their demonstrations until a law was enacted to reform the quota system, maintaining a five percent quota for underprivileged communities. Nahid Islam, a key protest organizer, announced plans for nationwide rallies on July 12.