PM seeks UN assistance to probe horrendous quota clashes

 
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has sought the assistance of the United Nations and other international organizations for a thorough investigation into the violence and fatalities that occurred during protests against the quotas reserved in government jobs.

"We have appealed to the United Nations and other international entities for cooperation and support to ensure a proper and thorough investigation into the incidents and to ensure that those responsible are punished," she said during a program at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in Dhaka on Wednesday.

Highlighting the government's initiatives, she said: "We have already formed a judicial committee. I didn't wait for anyone to demand it. I set up the judicial committee in advance and have now directed that two more judges be added to expand the scope of the investigation." The protest against the government job quota system, led by students under the banner of the anti-quota student movement, escalated into clashes with the pro-government Bangladesh Chhatra League at Dhaka University on July 15.

The following day, violence spread outside the university campus to Dhaka's Science Laboratory area, resulting in the deaths of a Chhatra League activist and a small trader. Three others, including a Chhatra Dal leader and a passer-by, were killed in Chattogram's Muradnagar, and one student died at Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur (BRUR).

Students were further incensed when images surfaced showing police shooting Abu Sayed, an English Department student at BRUR. On July 18, the movement declared a complete shutdown.

In a speech to the nation on July 17, the prime minister urged students to remain calm, assuring them of justice through the courts.

She also announced the formation of a judicial committee to investigate the deaths and promised compensation for the families of the injured and dead.
Despite these assurances, widespread clashes broke out in Dhaka's Badda and Uttara areas on July 18, leading to the deaths of several students by gunfire.

This triggered coordinated attacks on government installations throughout Dhaka and other parts of the country.

The violence spilled into the following day in several areas of Dhaka, including Jatrabari, Rampura, Badda, Mohammadpur, and Mohakhali, with the death toll rising. A curfew was imposed that night.

Even under curfew, clashes continued in Jatrabari, Rampura, and Mohammadpur. The situation was finally brought under control on July 21.

According to government figures, the five days of unrest resulted in 150 deaths, though media reports suggest the toll exceeded 200.

In response, 74 citizens have issued statements requesting an investigation under UN supervision.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed concern over reports of 'excessive force and human rights violations' by security forces, calling for a swift, transparent, and impartial investigation to hold those responsible accountable.

Prime Minister Hasina said there was no failure in her administration's handling of the quota reform issue. "I repeatedly engaged in discussions and accepted their demands."

"What demands were there to meet when I had already addressed the issue by abolishing the quota through a gazette notification? The matter was already resolved by me."

"This is a conspiracy by those who seek to fish in troubled waters and drag the country backwards," she said, urging the public to identify those behind the unrest.

Referring to collaborators of the Pakistani occupation forces in 1971, she added: "Their conspiracies have repeatedly hindered our progress. This is the most painful and tragic aspect."

Questioning the motives behind the protests, Hasina asked: "What crime did I commit? What did anyone gain by engaging in such destructive activities and tarnishing Bangladesh's international image over an issue that no longer exists?"

"Today, Bangladesh is a role model for development worldwide. Why was this status damaged? I leave this question to the people of the nation" Sheikh Hasina told the audiences.

She also recalled multiple assassination attempts on her life since her return to Bangladesh in 1981, following the murder of her family, including her father Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, six years earlier. "I never feared for my life. My goal has always been to work for the people and for my country" the Prime Minister stated.

"I aimed to eliminate poverty and provide free housing for homeless people, as well as food, clothes, shelter, education and healthcare services, alongside building infrastructure to make people's lives easier. Yet, the very things meant to serve the people became targets for destruction."

Sympathizing with those who lost their beloved family members and friends, Sheikh Hasina said: "Having lost my family, I understand the pain of losing dear ones. My condolences go to those who have lost their relatives."

"We can rebuild the destroyed structures, but we can never bring back the lives lost," the Prime Minister said with a heavy heart.