The South Asian Policy Initiative (SAPI) strongly condemns the ongoing genocide of college and university students by the autocratic Government of Bangladesh. According to unofficial estimates, the combined forces of Police, RAB, and BGB have killed nearly 100 students in a single day in various districts, including the capital city, Dhaka, on 18 July. International media has confirmed at least 50 dead. The number of injured students has crossed a few thousand. The students have been demonstrating for more than a week now against an unjust quota system in government employment that unduly benefits ruling party cadres at the expense of meritocracy.  The senseless killing and violence against young students, including school-going children, in broad daylight across Dhaka and other cities has starkly revealed the fascist character of the current regime. The severe repression and wanton human rights abuses over the past decade urgently necessitate international intervention to restore democracy and human rights in Bangladesh.

In recent weeks, we have witnessed peaceful protests organised by the students at Dhaka University and other educational institutions, demanding reforms in the discriminatory quota system for government job recruitment. In response, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has personally fueled fear and hate and directed law enforcement agencies and her student party cadres to suppress these peaceful protests violently. Shocking images and videos of unarmed students being shot at point blank and killed have circulated widely, leading to the government’s shutdown of internet and phone connections on the night of 18 July 2024. This pattern of repression is consistent with previous massacres under Sheikh Hasina’s rule.

Major cities like Dhaka, Rangpur, Khulna, Chittagong, Sylhet, Comilla and Rajshahi have experienced brutal crackdowns involving the Police, Rapid Action Battalion, and Bangladesh Chhatra League terrorists. Disturbingly, police and Chhatra League thugs even entered hospitals, like Dhaka Medical College Hospital, to attack the injured male and female students undergoing treatment.

Targeting young student activists and protesters for torture and killing is especially reprehensible. Female students were mercilessly beaten by police and party thugs. These young individuals, future leaders of Bangladesh, only demanded fair treatment in life on the basis of merit. They should have been met with respect, not state terror and intimidation. The government’s actions violate all international human rights laws and the spirit of Bangladesh’s constitution, which guarantees the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. The Bangladesh Awami League, with a long history of militant activities, has undermined the judiciary and state institutions, rendering any demands for accountability from this government futile.

As an international research organisation focused on democracy and human rights in South Asian countries, SAPI stands in solidarity with the oppressed people of Bangladesh. We hope for effective international intervention to restore democratic rights in the country. In support of the brave students and all citizens demanding their rights, we reaffirm our commitment to advocating for justice, freedom, and human dignity.

We call on the international community, democratic governments worldwide, human rights organisations, and the United Nations to hold those responsible for atrocities accountable. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina must resign, taking full responsibility for the brutal massacre of scores of young students. Awami League General Secretary and Communication Minister Obaidul Quader, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Kamal and Law Minister Anisul Huq must resign and be held accountable for direct incitement and abetment of the ongoing massacre, along with high-ranking Police, RAB, and BGB officials and identified Chhatra League members involved in the violence and murder. Necessary diplomatic and economic pressures must be applied to the Sheikh Hasina regime to ensure the rights of the people of Bangladesh.

– South Asian Policy Initiative