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FALL OF AN AUTOCRAT

A timeline
A protest that started with students demanding reform to the quota system in public jobs, toppled a regime that lasted more than 15 years defying opposition and international pressure. The High Court reinstated the quota system on June 5. Protests began on July 1 and culminated in the Awami League-led government’s fall on August 5.
JULY 1 Protest begins:
Students announce protests calling for reforms to quota system
JULY 4 SC delays hearing:
More protests after Supreme Court delays hearing on government appeal to challenge the HC verdict.
JULY 14 The ‘Razakar’ issue:
Dhaka University students take to streets after Sheikh Hasina labels students grandsons of “Razakar,” a force which fought against Bangladesh’s independence in 1971.
JULY 15 BCL attacks protesters:
Students stage protests at universities across the country Hasina’s remark. BCL activists attack students at Dhaka University injuring over 300 people, mostly students.
JULY 16 First deaths:
At least six killed in fierce clashes between protesting students and law enforcers joined in by ruling party activists in Dhaka, Chattogram and Rangpur. All universities, colleges and secondary schools are shut down for indefinite period. Students take control of most of DU and RU halls and vandalise BCL leaders’ rooms.
JULY 17 Hasina urges patience:
Police attack students at DU, JU and RU during “absentee funeral” for student martyrs. Students announce a nationwide “complete shutdown” for the next day. Hasina addresses the nation and announces a judicial probe into previous day’s killings.
JULY 18 Internet blackout:
Police and BCL men attack students at Brac University and other educational 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 services blocked across the country.
JULY 19 Curfew imposed, army deployed:
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 Key quota leaders picked up:
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 reform demo ‘picked up’ and several BNP leaders detained.
JULY 21 SC cuts quota:
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 23 Govt olive branch rejected:
Govt issues circular reforming quota system, but protest organisers reject it. Arrests and raids targeting opposition leaders and demonstrators continue amid curfew. Broadband internet is back in selected areas.
JULY 25 International condemnation grows:
UN, Amnesty International, US, Canada call for end to crackdown. Hasina makes first public appearance since army deployment and visits damaged metro rail station. Her comments fuel further anger among protesters.
JULY 26 BNP call for national unity:
Detective Branch of police picks up three key protest organisers. BNP calls for national unity and the ouster of government.
JULY 27 Block raids:
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.
JULY 28 The involuntary statement:
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. Six organisers read out a written statement at DB’s office lifting the movement. They later said they were forced to make the statement. Government announces death toll for first time, setting it at 147.
JULY 29 Jamaat-Shibir ban announced:
Protesters take to streets again in some districts, face police obstructions, dozens detained. Government announces plan to ban Jamaat-Shibir.
JULY 30 Teachers join students:
Teachers of several universities hold rallies condemning the killing of students. Eminent citizens blame government for loss of lives. Protesters reject Hasina’s call for an impartial, international-standard probe.
JULY 31 EU delays talks:
Protesters reject government-called nationwide mourning, stage demos in capital, elsewhere. 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 Govt bans Jamaat-Shibir:
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 March for justice:
Demonstrators continue protest against killings, thousands join a march for justice. Protesters attacked by AL activists and police in capital, elsewhere, leaving two more dead. Protesters announce countrywide demo for next day. Facebook blocked again for seven hours.
AUGUST 3 One-point demand:
At a major rally in Dhaka, student organisers narrow their demand to one-point – resignation of Sheikh Hasina and formation of a “national government” headed by a person who is “acceptable to all.” students reject Hasina’s talks offer.
AUGUST 4 90 killed in mayhem:
Widespread clashes break out in Dhaka and in at least 21 districts of the country killing at least 90 people, including policemen. The government reimposes an indefinite curfew across the country. Students announce road march to Dhaka from all parts of the country to force the government to resign.
AUGUST 5 Hasina quits, flees:
Tens of thousands of people from different parts of Dhaka and the surrounding areas defy the curfew to converge on the capital’s centre. The army initially tries to stop the flow but then allows people to enter. Crowds storm Hasina’s official residence. By the afternoon, Hasina resigns and flees to India, along with her sister Sheikh Rehana. Army chief General Waker-uz-Zaman invites several political parties for talks. Mob attacks several offices of the outgoing ruling party, police stations across the country.
FALL OF AN AUTOCRAT
A timeline
A protest that started with students demanding reform to the quota system in public jobs, toppled a regime that lasted more than 15 years defying opposition and international pressure. The High Court reinstated the quota system on June 5. Protests began on July 1 and culminated in the Awami League-led government’s fall on August 5.