Dhaka: At least 31 people, including 11 students and a journalist, were killed across the country on July 18 last year as law enforcement agencies launched a crackdown on protesters during a "complete shutdown" that drew significant public participation.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, 24 fatalities occurred in the capital, Dhaka, with two each in Chattogram and Narsingdi, and one each in Rangpur, Savar, and Madaripur. The daily reported that nearly 1,500 people were injured, raising the death toll to 37 as of that day, including casualties from July 16.
Protesters, under the anti-discrimination student movement banner, staged demonstrations by blocking roads and railways nationwide, carrying placards and chanting slogans. However, police intervention led to outrage, prompting agitators to set fire to key government installations such as the BTV headquarters and the Department of Disaster Management in Dhaka.
The unrest continued as several police boxes were torched or vandalized, and the Uttara East Police Station was set on fire. Rail connections to Dhaka were suspended, and the government shut down internet access nationwide after 9 PM. The ICT State Minister justified the internet shutdown as a necessary measure.
The government deployed 229 platoons of the Border Guard Bangladesh to maintain order, and the Dhaka Metropolitan Police imposed an indefinite ban on public gatherings. Demonstrators also set fire to the toll plaza of the Mayor Hanif Flyover, and metro rail operations were suspended.
Clashes erupted between protesters, police, and members of the ruling party's youth wings in various regions. The government imposed a curfew on July 19 after protesters blocked the Dhaka-Chattogram highway.
The situation escalated as universities were closed indefinitely, and students were ousted from dormitories. The government expressed willingness to negotiate, but protest leaders rejected dialogue.
The Supreme Court scheduled a hearing on the legality of the government's 2018 quota system abolition, while police and government inquiries were launched into the violence and deaths. Resignations from Chhatra League leaders occurred in protest of the violence.
International attention grew, with the UN emphasizing the right to peaceful protest, while Awami League officials blamed opposition groups for the violence.