On Monday, the government announced a national day of mourning to honour those who lost their lives in recent protests over quota reforms in government jobs, urging people to wear black badges in tribute.

In recent weeks, Bangladesh has witnessed a surge in student protests, which have been marked by escalating violence and political tensions. The unrest has been fuelled by the decision of the country’s supreme court upholding job quotas for children for the country’s freedom fighters.

The government however amended the quota in government jobs, which was the original demand of the protesting students, but as more than 200 people were killed in a few days of violence, the students have remained adamant about their other new demands and vowed to continue the protest.

Bangladesh Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan confirmed on Sunday that at least 147 people have died in the recent violence sparked by student protests over government job quotas. The casualties include students, police, activists, and professionals. Further investigations are ongoing to confirm the full extent of the toll, with independent estimates suggesting over 200 deaths.

On the same day, the government restored mobile internet services after a 10-day blackout. Junior Minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak announced that services resumed at 3 p.m. local time, with users receiving a 5 GB data bonus for three days due to the interruption. However, social media platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube remain restricted.

The internet shutdown began on July 17, followed by the suspension of broadband services on July 18 amid escalating protests. Schools and educational institutions are still closed as the situation stabilizes.

Ban on Jamaat-e-Islami

The Bangladeshi government, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has now announced its intention to ban the Jamaat-e-Islami party, the leading opposition group. Law Minister Anisul Huq confirmed that the government is taking steps to dissolve the party, citing its alleged involvement in violence and extremism. The decision comes amidst heightened political tensions and is seen as part of a broader crackdown on opposition voices in the country.

The move to ban Jamaat-e-Islami has sparked controversy and has been met with criticism from various quarters. The party, which has a significant support base, has condemned the decision as politically motivated and an attempt to stifle dissent. This development has further fuelled the ongoing student protests.

National Mourning

In response to the violence that has erupted during the student protests, Bangladesh has observed a day of national mourning on Tuesday. The government declared the day to honour the victims of the recent clashes between students and security forces. The mourning period underscores the severity of the situation and reflects the deep public concern over the violent crackdown on student demonstrators.

On Monday, the government announced a national day of mourning to honour those who lost their lives in recent protests over quota reforms in government jobs, urging people to wear black badges in tribute.

However, student protesters, who view the government’s mourning declaration as insincere without addressing their demands that included a public apology from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and resignation of Home Minister Asaduzzmaan Khan, have called for people to wear “red” instead of “black” as a form of protest.

The protests have escalated into a broader movement against perceived government repression and corruption. Students from various universities across the country have taken to the streets, demanding greater freedoms, improved educational conditions, and an end to alleged police brutality.

Human Rights Concerns

The situation has drawn international attention, particularly regarding the conduct of Bangladeshi security forces during the protests. Reports have emerged alleging that security forces have engaged in excessive use of force against student demonstrators. These reports have prompted concern from global human rights organizations and the United Nations.

Despite these concerns, the UN has expressed limited alarm over the situation. The international body has called for a thorough investigation into the alleged human rights violations but has also noted the challenges of navigating the complex political landscape in Bangladesh. Experts say that the UN’s measured response highlights the difficulty in addressing human rights abuses in politically charged environments where government actions are often justified as necessary for maintaining order.

Government Response

The student movement in Bangladesh has gained considerable momentum, with protesters demanding accountability and justice for those affected by the violence. The demonstrators have criticized the government’s handling of the situation, accusing authorities of using the ban on Jamaat-e-Islami as a pretext to suppress opposition and dissent.

In response to the escalating protests, the government has implemented measures to restore order, including deploying additional security forces to protest hotspots and imposing curfews in some areas. However, these actions have only intensified the tensions between the students and the authorities. The government’s efforts to address the students’ concerns have been overshadowed by the broader political implications of the proposed party ban and the crackdown on dissent.

International Reactions

The international community’s reaction to the crisis has been one of cautious concern. While there is acknowledgment of the need for a thorough investigation into the human rights abuses, there is also a recognition of the complex political dynamics at play in Bangladesh. The international community has called for restraint from both the government and protesters, urging a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

As the situation continues to evolve, the future of student protests in Bangladesh remains uncertain. The government’s stance on the Jamaat-e-Islami party and its handling of the protests will likely play a crucial role in determining the trajectory of the ongoing unrest. The broader implications of the student movement, coupled with the international community’s scrutiny, could influence political developments in Bangladesh in the coming months.

As one political leader belonging to the ruling Awami League party said, “Bangladesh is grappling with a volatile combination of student unrest, political repression, and human rights concerns.” According to this ruling party politician who wanted to remain anonymous, the resolution of this crisis will require a delicate balance between addressing legitimate grievances and maintaining social order.

The proposed ban on the Jamaat-e-Islami party, coupled with the government’s response to the student protests, has created a highly charged environment that demands careful attention from both national and international observers.