Protests in Bangladesh: Students Demand Release of Detained Leaders
On Monday, students across Bangladesh, including Dhaka and Chattogram, held protests against the detention of six coordinators of the quota reform movement. Law enforcement dispersed many protests, detaining at least 80 people. Ruling party members also intervened to stop the demonstrations.
Protests in Chattogram
In Chattogram, around 100 students gathered at the Cheragi intersection. Police, Border Guard Bangladesh, and army personnel were deployed. Tensions rose when Jubo League and Chhatra League members, led by Councillor Saibal Das Sumon, verbally abused and beat up protesters, handing two over to the police. Police used truncheons, stun grenades, and teargas to disperse the crowd, injuring three police personnel and a journalist.
Protests in Dhaka
In Dhaka, Abdul Kader, a coordinator of the quota reform protest, announced demonstrations in eight locations. Police detained several protesters from various areas, including Mirpur-10, Purana Paltan, Uttara, Dhanmondi, and Badda. Students at Jahangirnagar University and Rajshahi University also held protests, demanding the release of detained leaders.
Other Protests Across Bangladesh
Protests occurred in Barishal, Noakhali, Thakurgaon, Mymensingh, Cumilla, and Sylhet. In Barishal, Chhatra League activists attacked protesters, injuring 15 students. In Noakhali, students blocked the Dhaka-Noakhali highway for three hours. In Mymensingh, police broke up a demonstration, while in Cumilla, pro-Awami League men stopped students from reaching the Dhaka-Chattogram highway.
Government Response
Some coordinators of the quota reform protest rejected the government’s call for nationwide mourning for those killed in recent violence. Instead, they urged students and the public to cover their faces with red clothes and share their pictures online. They demanded an apology from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the resignations of several government ministers.
Doubts Revealed
Bangladesh -: Bangladesh is a country in South Asia, located to the east of India. It has a lot of rivers and is known for its rich culture and history.
Dhaka -: Dhaka is the capital city of Bangladesh. It is a very busy and crowded city with many people living there.
Chattogram -: Chattogram, also known as Chittagong, is a major coastal city in Bangladesh. It is an important port city and has many industries.
Quota reform movement -: The quota reform movement in Bangladesh is a student-led campaign that seeks changes in the way government jobs are reserved for different groups of people. Students want a fairer system.
Law enforcement -: Law enforcement refers to the police and other agencies that make sure people follow the laws. They can arrest people who break the rules.
Ruling party -: The ruling party is the political party that is currently in charge of the government. In Bangladesh, this is the party that has the most power in making decisions.
Government accountability -: Government accountability means that the government should be responsible for its actions and decisions. People want the government to be fair and honest.
