On Friday, during nationwide student processions, there were massive skirmishes centered around the slogan “students against discrimination.” There have been many reports of battles, bloodshed, vandalism, and arson in at least five districts outside the capital, Uttara and Dhaka. In Habiganj, a fight claimed the life of a laborer, and in Khulna, a police officer was fatally battered.
Students who participated in the Uttara mass parade engaged in combat with local officials and activists of the Awami League (AL) as well as the police. During the altercations, a few AL leaders and activists were observed to be carrying sharp objects.
In Sylhet and Khulna, there have also been allegations of widespread altercations and violence between the demonstrators and the police. Clashes broke out in Lakshmipur between the students and activists from the local Jubo League and Chhatral League (BCL).
With guns drawn, a man was observed pursuing the demonstrators. Activists from the Awami League, Chhatra League, and Jubo League attacked and scattered the demonstrators at Narsingdi. These incidents were reported to have injured at least 370 people.
Prior to this, 213 people—including minors—were killed in nationwide conflicts and violent incidents that were at the heart of the quota reform campaign between July 16 and July 21. Yesterday, two more people died. That brings the total number of deaths to 215.
Students Against Discrimination, a platform that led the quota reform movement, declared on Friday that there will be nationwide prayers and large-scale processions to condemn “genocide, mass arrest, and to press their 9-point demand.” There were at least 28 districts where the program was observed.
