"arrests and arbitrary detention of student protestors is a witch hunt"
The Bangladesh government have arrested over 10,000 people as part of a crackdown on civic unrest and dissent after weeks of protests.
Students began protesting peacefully against what they saw as an unjust and discriminatory quota system for government jobs.
Matters escalated quickly into deadly and brutal clashes when pro-government groups attacked protesters.
The police and security forces were criticised for their inaction and their use of excessive force. Thousands have been injured and hundreds killed.
The Bangladesh government also enforced a media blackout.
Authorities have arrested over 10,000 people since the protests began, including many political opposition leaders, protesters, and now children.
The arrest and detention of students and children further increased criticism, anger, and calls for drastic change over the weekend of July 27, 2024, and since then.
Images of raids and arrests raised anger and fear.
Images were also shared of some teachers and family members trying to stop arrests.
Asif Nazrul, a Dhaka University professor, said:
“Mass arrests through block raids, detaining individuals at night, enforced disappearances, and not presenting them in court within 24 hours.
“These actions are unconstitutional and violate many international conventions. It seems this government has declared war against dissent.”
When pictures speak louder than words:
A sister protecting her brother from arrest, a teacher protecting her student from arrest – #Bangladesh during ongoing #StudentProtests & mass arrests.#SaveBangaldeshiStudents #QuotaMovement #BangladeshBleeding #StudentsUnderAttack pic.twitter.com/HHV9MIsJHk— Prof. Farhana Sultana (@Prof_FSultana) July 31, 2024
Authorities are often holding people without charge. Those arrested have reported facing torture.
Smriti Singh, Regional Director for South Asia at Amnesty International, stated:
“The mass arrests and arbitrary detention of student protestors is a witch hunt by the authorities to silence anyone who dares to challenge the government and is a tool to further perpetuate a climate of fear.”
The death toll as authorities and pro-government supporters kill continues to rise, even as exact numbers remain unclear.
Reports state that more than 200 people have thus far been killed.
People continue to share videos and images on social media, showing officers firing weapons at protesters.
Watch the Video. Warning – Distressing Images
As the student protest in Bangladesh continues into its third week, police in the Sylhet district were seen shooting at protesters earlier today. Reports of fresh clashes between students and security forces are emerging from most major cities across the country. pic.twitter.com/Ip3WRRvPRb
— Sami (@ZulkarnainSaer) August 2, 2024
UNICEF stated that at least 32 children have been killed, and “many more injured and detained”.
Sanjay Wijesekera, UNICEF Regional Director for South Asia, said:
“I have just returned from a week in Bangladesh, and I am deeply concerned about the impact of recent violence and ongoing unrest on children.
“UNICEF has now confirmed that at least 32 children were killed during July’s protests, with many more injured and detained.
“This is a terrible loss.
“UNICEF condemns all acts of violence. On behalf of UNICEF, I extend my heartfelt condolences to families mourning the loss of their sons and daughters.
“Children must be protected at all times. That is everyone’s responsibility.”
“I am aware of reports that children are being detained, and remind authorities that for a child, coming into contact or conflict with the law can be very frightening.”
Wijesekera called for the end of children’s detention “in all forms”.
There are calls for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to resign amid growing accusations that she is a dictator.
The aggression and deadly force by authorities at the orders of the Bangladesh government has not stopped protests.
Indeed, on August 2, 2024, mass protests continued across Bangladesh. The cries for change and justice refuse to be suppressed.
The turmoil in Bangladesh is now a matter beyond concern over the quota system.
For many within the country and worldwide, what is happening reflects the need for systematic and profound change.
The government’s actions have also raised questions about its role, civil dissent, democracy, and the right to protest.
Fears for the safety of protestors and those who support them continue to mount as raids, violence, and arrests continue.
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