Dhaka: The government enforced a nationwide curfew starting at midnight on July 19 last year, responding to widespread protests and violence that led to the deaths of at least 67 individuals during a student-led movement demanding quota reform in government jobs. Following a meeting with the then Awami League-led alliance, chaired by the ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the decision was made as clashes between police, Awami League supporters, and protesters escalated.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the violence on July 19 resulted in a significant death toll, with at least 67 people killed across the country, raising the overall death count to at least 112 since July 16. The clashes involved law enforcement, Awami League activists, and students under the anti-discrimination student movement banner, protesting against previous deaths and demanding changes in government job quotas.
On the same day, the protest movement gained momentum as BNP members and associated bodies joined forces with the student protesters. However, confrontations intensified as law enforcement, backed by Awami League supporters, allegedly launched attacks on demonstrators nationwide. The New Age reported that 62 deaths occurred in the capital alone, with additional fatalities in Rangpur, Savar, Sylhet, and Narsingdi.
Dainik Samakal provided a differing account, reporting 12 deaths outside Dhaka, including five in Rangpur and others in Savar, Gazipur, Bogura, Mymensingh, Sylhet, and Madaripur. Over 2,000 people sustained injuries, overwhelming hospitals with gunshot victims and causing accusations against the government for hindering medical treatment for those injured.
The unrest also led to widespread vandalism and arson targeting government establishments, including the BRTA building and PBI offices. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police responded by banning motorcycle movement and restricting rallies, except for those in front of Awami League and BNP central offices.
The protests continued despite the nationwide internet suspension, with students clashing with police and Awami League supporters in various Dhaka areas. Violence spread to other regions, with significant confrontations reported in Khulna, Mymensingh, Narsingdi, Chattogram, and other districts.
Amid the chaos, the government faced criticism for its handling of the situation, with demands for dialogue from protesters and accusations of oppressive measures against demonstrators. The students rejected government overtures for dialogue, instead presenting a nine-point demand list, including apologies from the Prime Minister, resignations of key ministers, dismissal of police officials, and compensation for victims' families.
The protests, marked by the arrest of a key student movement coordinator and the suspension of broadband services, underscored the tense political climate and the deep-rooted dissatisfaction with the government's response to the movement.