Staff Correspondent
More than 600 people were killed during the recent students' quota reform movement, says a report of
the Office of the High Commissioner of the United Nations Human Rights.
The report titled 'Preliminary Analysis of Recent Protests and Unrest in Bangladesh' released today
reveals that according to available public reports by media and the protest movement itself, over 600
people were killed between 16 July and 11 August.
Of these, nearly 400 deaths were reported from 16 July to 4 August, while about 250 people were
reportedly killed following the new wave of protests between 5 and 6 August.
The report shows the number of reported killings in revenge attacks since that time still remains to be
determined. A number of deaths were reported between 7 and 11 August, including those who died
while undergoing medical treatment for injuries sustained in the violence.
Those killed include protesters, bystanders, journalists covering the events and a number of members of
the security force. Thousands of protesters and bystanders have been injured, with hospitals
overwhelmed by the influx of patients.
The reported death toll is likely an underestimate, as information collection has been hindered by
restrictions on movement due to the curfew and the internet shutdown. Also, hospitals were reportedly
prevented by the state authorities from providing details of those killed and injured, the report says.
The majority of deaths and injuries have been attributed to the security forces and the student wing
affiliated with the Awami League, the UN observes.
It says the casualties resulted from the use of live ammunition and other force against protesters while
acting violently reportedly were not armed, or only lightly armed, as well as from instances of security
forces unlawfully using lethal force against protesters posing no apparent threat, unarmed protesters,
and bystanders, including at least four journalists and at least 32 children, with many more injured and
detained – a number of whom were seemingly deliberately targeted.
It reveals that from 12 July to 3 August, at least 450,000 unknown persons and 2000 identified persons
were reportedly registered for offenses in at least 286 criminal cases in Dhaka alone, including a
combination of named and unnamed individuals-many members of the opposition reportedly among
them.
In Bangladesh, hundreds of individuals are often included as "unnamed" in a "First Information Report",
increasing the risk of widespread arbitrary arrest and detention.
Triggered by the reinstatement of a quota system for allocation of civil service positions, initially
peaceful student protests in Bangladesh that started in mid-June 2024 were followed by violence and
serious human rights violations committed by security forces.
In a rapid and dramatic series of developments in Bangladesh, following broad-based protests and
unrest, the government resigned on 5 August 2024 and was replaced by a civilian interim government to
oversee a transition to fresh elections, the report says.