Bangladesh observes national mourning for 150 people killed in quota-related violence

     Dhaka, Jul 30 (PTI) Bangladesh on Tuesday observed a national day of mourning with special prayers across the country for the 150 people killed in the recent anti-government violence, amid calls for the unconditional release of six coordinators of the quota reform movement within 24 hours.
     It was on Monday that the Bangladesh government, for the first time, officially acknowledged that 150 people were killed across the country during the students’ unrest over the quota system.
     Nationwide mourning was observed today recalling those who were killed during the quota reform movement. Black badges were worn and prayers were organised in all mosques. Besides, special prayers were offered in scores of temples, churches and pagodas across the country, media reports said.
     Violence gripped Bangladesh for days when the protests that had started in universities and colleges, quickly turned into a widespread agitation against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her government’s policies.
     The government called in the army to quell protests against job quotas after the unrest left several thousand people, including policemen, wounded and major government installations damaged.
     While unofficial media reports claimed more than 180 deaths during the violence, including in police and army action, the government finally acknowledged that there were 150 people killed.
     Four journalists were killed and at least 224 journalists and media personnel were injured by gunfire or attacks, with at least 67 in critical condition during the violence, the Dhaka Tribune said in a report even when the government’s data did not give any breakup.
     Cabinet Secretary Mahbub Hossain on Monday announced the government's decision to hold a day of mourning and urged the people to wear black badges to mourn the deaths.
     Multiple government offices and ministries too held the special prayers. For instance, in the Foreign Ministry, all officials and employees wore black badges as a sign of respect as part of the mourning.
     “A special prayer and supplication session was held at the ministry's mosque at noon, seeking eternal peace for the souls of the deceased and speedy recovery for the injured,” state-run news agency Bangladesh Sangbad Santha said quoting a ministry press release.
     Meanwhile, several eminent civil society members demanded the unconditional release of six coordinators of the quota reform movement, currently in the custody of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police's Detective Branch, within 24 hours.
     The Daily Star newspaper reported that teachers and students of Jahangirnagar University held a “silent march” on the campus to protest the deaths, disappearance, torture and detention of students and people across the country.
     Speaking at a press conference at the Dhaka Reporters Unity on Tuesday on behalf of civil society, Transparency International Bangladesh Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman raised an 11-point demand, which included a full list of those killed during the quota reform movement, a transparent investigation into the killings under the supervision of high-level UN experts and punishment for the culprits.
     People, especially students, opposing the government's decision disagreed and disregarded the appeal and showcased red colour prominently on their social media profiles.
     One user Tamanna (@_PinkieFlamingo) on X posted with a prominent red square and said: “Why is our profile red? Because today the government of Bangladesh has announced mourning day, but ordinary students are rejecting it and giving a red profile as an expression.”
     She added several hashtags such as #JulyMassacre #RedForJustice #StandAgainstInhumanity #StandRedForStudents and #BloodOnTheirHands.
     “The trend took hold following the announcement of a new programme by some coordinators of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement. They called on people to cover their faces with red pieces of cloth and upload their photos online as a rejection of the government's call for nationwide mourning today for those killed in the recent violence,” The Daily Star said in another report.
     The month-long protests subsided after the apex Appellate Division of unitary Bangladesh’s Supreme Court on July 21 ordered a massive quota reform, keeping only seven per cent of reserve posts instead of the existing 56 per cent and the government subsequently issued a Gazette notification in line with the order. That keeps 93 per cent of jobs open to candidates on merit.
     Meanwhile, all public and private offices will resume their operations as per their normal schedule from Wednesday, The Daily Star quoted the Ministry of Public Administration as saying.
     Following the widespread violence linked to the quota reform movement, the government imposed a curfew beginning at midnight on Friday, July 19. Following the curfew, a general holiday was declared on July 21, 22, and 23.

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)