#Title

TIMELINE

STUDENT PROTESTS
FROM PAGE 1
July 18, 2024
Police and BCL men attack students at Brac University and other institutions. At least 29 die in daylong mayhem as clashes break out in 19 districts. Agitators vandalise, torch BTV Bhaban, Setu Bhaban and other government establishments. Internet service blocked across the country; Metro rail operations suspended for indefinite period.
July 19, 2024
Effective from midnight, government announces nationwide curfew and deploys army after daylong violence kills at least 66 people. More government establishments, including Narsingdi jail, metro rail stations, BRTA offices, vandalised, torched.
July 20, 2024
At least 21 killed on the first day of curfew amid army deployment. Curfew extended until further notice and a two-day general public holiday announced. Key organiser of quota demo ‘picked up’ and several BNP leaders detained.
July 21, 2024
Supreme Court curtails quotas to 7pc as at least seven killed amid curfew. Chiefs of three forces meet Hasina, as UN, EU, UK voice concern over violence.
July 22, 2024
Six more hurt in previous days’ clashes die, taking death toll to 146. Hasina warns BNP and Jamaat of consequences; army chief hopes for return of normalcy. Arrest of BNP and Jamaat leaders continues.
July 23, 2024
Govt issues circular reforming quota system, but four quota reform protest organisers reject it. Arrests and raids targeting opposition leaders and demonstrators continue amid curfew. Broadband internet is back in selected areas.
July 24, 2024
Inter-district bus and launch services resume partially.
July 25, 2024
JP leader Partha Andaleeve, businessman David Hasnat, among dozens, arrested, as social media remains off-limits. UN, Amnesty International, US, Canada call for end to crackdown. Hasina makes first public appearance since army deployment and visits damaged metro rail station.
July 26, 2024
Detective Branch of police picks up three organisers. BNP calls for national unity and ouster of government. Hasina visits Dhaka Medical College Hospital on the second day of public appearance after the curfew announcement. UN calls for an end to crackdown and full restoration of internet services.
July 27, 2024
Block raids targeting protesters, mostly students, continue as DB picks up two more quota protest organisers. Fourteen foreign missions urge govt to hold law enforcers accountable for wrongdoings. Hasina visits Pongu Hospital, says violence was committed to cripple economy.
July 28, 2024
Nationwide crackdown goes on, with over 2.13 lakh people made accused in over 200 cases in Dhaka city alone. Mobile internet is back, but social media remains shut. After having a meal with DB chief Harunor Rashid at his office, six organisers earlier taken into custody read out a written statement, lifting the movement. Outside, a section of organisers vow to press on.
Government announces death toll for first time, setting it at 147.
July 29, 2024
Protesters take to streets again in some districts, face police obstructions, dozens detained. Government announces plan to ban Jamaat-Shibir. HC rebukes DB over handling of the six quota organisers, including sharing the photograph of sharing a meal with them on social media.
July 30, 2024
Students and teachers of JU hold silent procession, teachers of several universities hold rallies, guardians protest death of children, obstructed by cops. Eminent citizens blame government for loss of lives. Hasina says government will take “foreign help” for judicial probe, announces nationwide mourning for next day. Police crackdown continues.
July 31, 2024
Protesters reject government-called nationwide mourning, stage demos in capital, elsewhere. Six quota movement organisers were still in DB custody. Eminent citizens form probe body, urge public support. EU delays partnership talks with Dhaka. Hundreds of HSC students announce boycott of exams if fellow examinees not released from police custody/jail.
August 1, 2024
Government issues gazette banning Jamaat-Shibir under anti-terrorism act. UN offers sending fact-finding team, PM says “UN free to probe violence”. Six organisers freed from DB custody. Protesters hold mass processions and prayers for those killed. Teachers, students of five public universities stage demos.
August 2, 2024
Demonstrators continue protest against killings, thousands join march for justice. Protesters attacked by AL activists and police in capital, elsewhere, leaving two more dead. Protesters announce countrywide demo for next day and non-cooperation movement from Sunday. Facebook blocked again for seven hours. Six organisers say “statement of withdrawal made from DB office was not voluntary”.