Bangladesh students protest updates: 39 killed, 30 journalists injured; schools, colleges shut

Bangladesh Police firing was the cause of at least two-thirds of deaths reported so far. Approximately 400 students had been injured in the protests as well.

Published on: Jul 19, 2024, 15:26:04 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Fatalities in the quota reform protests in Bangladesh have reached at least 39, with 30 journalists and 104 police also injured, news agency AFP reported.

Approximately 400 students had been injured in the protests, as well as 30 journalists. 39 people have died in the protests. REUTERS/Mohammad Ponir Hossain

Also Read: Indian residents in Bangladesh urged to avoid travel amid anti-quota protests

Approximately 400 students had been injured in the protests as well. Police firing was the cause of at least two-thirds of deaths reported so far, based on descriptions given to AFP by hospital staff.

The Bangladesh government has shut down schools and colleges indefinitely due to the unrest and roads have been blockaded by both protestors and police forces across half of Bangladesh's 64 districts.

Amidst an internet and news coverage shutdown by the state, the police have stated that the “miscreants” have vandalised and set fire to state broadcaster BTV, government and police buildings.

Also Read: 202 stranded Indians escape from Bangladesh via Meghalaya check post

The crackdown on news media has also resulted in violence against journalists covering the protests. On Thursday, 17 year old student and reporter, Hasan Mehdi, died due to police violence.

Students have vowed to continue their campaign despite Hasina giving a national address on the now-offline state broadcaster seeking to calm the situation. They demand an apology and for the scheme to be rolled back.

The protests were triggered by a job quota scheme wherein more than half of government jobs are reserved for specific groups, including children of veterans from the country's 1971 liberation war against Pakistan.

Students have been demanding that the extensive quotas be removed and had succeeded in protesting against PM Sheikh Hasina in 2018 to take back the scheme.

However, the Supreme Court has ruled to reinstate the quota, leading students to peacefully protest, before student faction of the ruling Awami party, the Bangladesh Chhatra League, clashed with the protesters.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest headlines from US news and global updates from Pakistan, Nepal, UK, Bangladesh, Russia and US Iran war Live, get all the latest headlines in one place on Hindustan Times.