3 August 2024: In the face of a severe police crackdown, student leaders in Bangladesh have called for a nationwide civil disobedience campaign against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government, which has been dealing with an intense backlash, reported The Hindu.
Following deadly clashes that resulted in the deaths of over 200 protesters and 32 children, student groups are mobilizing citizens for a mass non-cooperation movement starting August 4. The protests, initially sparked by opposition to civil service job quotas, have escalated into broader demands against the government.
Rallies across the nation last month, driven by discontent over job quotas, turned violent, prompting a harsh response from government forces. Despite brief order restorations, massive crowds re-emerged, spurred by student leaders calling for more government concessions.
The group Students Against Discrimination has urged citizens to participate in the movement by withholding taxes, utility payments, and halting overseas remittances. They are demanding a public apology from Ms. Hasina and the dismissal of certain ministers, along with the reopening of schools and universities.
Prime Minister Hasina, who has ruled since 2009 and secured a fourth consecutive term in January, faces accusations of using state mechanisms to suppress dissent and maintain power. Demonstrations began in early July over a reintroduced quota scheme, sparking unrest among the country’s unemployed youth.
International bodies, including the European Union, have condemned the government’s heavy-handed tactics, with calls for an international investigation into the excessive use of force. Despite government claims of restraint, the UN reported that 32 children were among the casualties.
The unrest has led to significant disruptions, including a nationwide curfew and an 11-day mobile internet shutdown. As the situation unfolds, student leaders are urging continued public participation to press for further government accountability and change.
