In late July 2024, Bangladesh was engulfed in severe turmoil as protests escalated into violent confrontations, leading to substantial loss of life and widespread disruption.
From July 18 to July 21, Dhaka, the capital, witnessed a wave of unrest that resulted in over 146 deaths, thousands of injuries, and approximately 1,400 arrests.
The bloodshed in Dhaka and other parts of the country was a dramatic escalation of longstanding political and social tensions, ignited by a controversial court ruling and exacerbated by the involvement of militant groups. This article explores the origins of the protests, the factors leading to their violent turn, and the broader implications for Bangladesh.
The immediate cause of the violence was a ruling by the High Court on June 5, 2024. The court reinstated a 30 percent quota for government jobs reserved for the descendants of those who fought in Bangladesh’s 1971 war of independence. Additionally, the ruling mandated a 26 percent quota for other specific categories. This decision reversed the 2018 policy under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government, which had abolished such quotas in favor of a merit-based system.
“The quota system was scrapped in 2018 due to difficulties in its implementation and the mismatch between the quota percentages and the actual number of qualified candidates,” explained Muhammad Nayeemul Islam Khan, Press Secretary to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh. “We found that the percentage of successful candidates from these categories was too low to meet the quotas effectively.”
Students across the country, already disillusioned by the perceived unfairness of the previous quota system, were incensed by the court’s decision. They viewed the reinstatement as a step backward that would undermine meritocracy in government jobs, leading to widespread demonstrations.
What began as student protests soon drew in various factions with different agendas. The demonstrations, initially peaceful, became increasingly violent as anti-government and militant Islamist groups infiltrated the movement. Organizations such as Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) and Ansar Al Islam exploited the unrest to advance their own causes.
According to the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), the violence was not confined to protests but involved “miscreants and terrorist gangs” who orchestrated attacks on critical infrastructure. The RAB reported that these groups targeted government buildings, including the Metrorail and Elevated Expressway, as well as public and private properties. “We observed a coordinated effort to destabilize the government and incite panic among the public,” stated a RAB spokesperson. “These attacks were carefully planned to maximize disruption and damage.”
The violence escalated as militants used arson and vandalism to target key projects and government facilities. On July 18, 2024, the nationwide “Complete Shutdown” announced by the students became a cover for more violent actions. Buildings such as BTV Bhawan, Metrorail, Elevated Expressway, Hanif Flyover, Setu Bhawan, Data Centre, BRTA Bhawan, and various other important government installations and vehicles, including police and law enforcement agencies, were vandalized and set on fire.
The government’s response to the escalating violence was marked by a heavy-handed approach. Security forces, including the RAB and other law enforcement agencies, were deployed in large numbers to restore order. The RAB conducted extensive patrols and intelligence operations to control the situation.
Army Chief General Wakar-uz-zaman commented on the intervention, stating, “Our forces managed to bring the law and order situation under control within two days. However, the damage to infrastructure and official institutions will require significant time and resources to repair.”
During the unrest, the government faced criticism for its handling of the situation. Accusations were leveled that the authorities had deliberately cut off internet access to prevent the spread of information and control the narrative of the protests. This move led to severe disruptions in communication and economic activities, isolating Bangladesh from the outside world.
The protests were significantly influenced by militant groups and opposition factions. Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) and other extremist organizations used the unrest as an opportunity to further their agendas. These groups were involved in orchestrating attacks and inciting violence.
According to sources, from the first week of June, leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), including members of its executive and advisory committee, donated substantial amounts to a “special fund” for “implementing anti-government movement” and “unseating Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.”
In addition to BNP and Jamaat members, trained armed cadres of the outlawed militancy outfit Hizbut Tahrir participated in destructive and terrorist activities throughout the country. Hundreds of its activists engaged in massive propaganda through social media platforms, spreading disinformation and incitement.
In London and New York City, dozens of BNP members also joined online propaganda efforts. Members of Dhaka’s entertainment industry, including those who benefited from the Awami League government, circulated offensive posts and images on social media.
Members of Jamaat-e-Islam’s student front, Islami Chhatrashibir, blended with ordinary students, inciting violence and sabotaging peaceful demonstrations. These infiltrators used the student movement as a cover for their militant activities. There were also plots to assassinate Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, orchestrated by high-ranking opposition figures like the BNP’s fugitive chairperson Tarique Rahman and Jamaat leader Mia Golam Parwar. These assassination plots were part of a broader strategy to destabilize the government and create a leadership vacuum.
Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury, editor of Bangladesh’s most influential newspaper, Blitz, highlighted the role of these groups – “The protests were initially driven by genuine grievances, but they were hijacked by militant factions who saw an opportunity to destabilize the government. The violence that ensued was not a spontaneous outburst but a coordinated effort by these groups.”
The involvement of militant groups transformed the student-led movement into a broader violent insurgency. Key projects like the Metrorail and Elevated Expressway were targeted to undermine public confidence in the government’s ability to maintain order and deliver on its promises.
The violence had a profound impact on Bangladesh’s economy and social structure. The extensive damage to infrastructure, combined with the disruption of essential services, led to a significant slowdown in economic activities. Manufacturing and export sectors were particularly affected, with businesses facing operational challenges and financial losses.
“The halt in transportation and commercial traffic caused a severe disruption in supply chains,” said a representative from the Bangladesh Employers Federation. “The increase in raw material prices and the closure of schools and universities have had a detrimental effect on daily life and business operations.”
The internet shutdown further exacerbated the situation, impeding communication and financial transactions. The economic damage was compounded by the isolation of Bangladesh from the global community, affecting financial services, public administration, and e-commerce.
The protests and subsequent violence led to significant political fallout. The Supreme Court’s decision to roll back the quota system, reducing the reserved quotas to 5 percent for freedom fighters’ children and 1 percent for minorities and people with special needs, was seen as a partial concession to the protesters’ demands. However, this move did little to quell the anger among students and opposition groups.
Calls for an investigation into the handling of the protests and the violence were made by opposition leaders and civil society groups. The outcome of these investigations will be crucial in shaping the future political landscape of Bangladesh.
“The events of July 2024 have revealed deep-seated frustrations with the quota system and broader governance issues,” said Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury. “The government will need to address these issues comprehensively to prevent future unrest and restore public trust.”
The recent protests in Bangladesh were a complex crisis that highlighted the challenges of governance and the dangers of militant infiltration. The tragic events of July 2024 have had a lasting impact on the country, underscoring the need for careful reflection and strategic planning. The path to recovery will require concerted efforts from all stakeholders to rebuild trust, restore stability, and ensure that the lessons learned contribute to a more equitable and resilient society. The focus must be on addressing the underlying issues, implementing necessary reforms, and fostering an environment where grievances can be addressed through peaceful and democratic means.
Author’s bio: Tajul Islam, a senior journalist and Special Correspondent of Weekly Blitz writes on a broad-range of issues in local and international media. Follow him on X @tajulraj1
