Student Protests Erupt in Bangladesh as Social Media Restored; Calls for Accountability Grow
Dhaka, Bangladesh – On Wednesday, student protests reignited across Bangladesh shortly after access to social media platforms was restored, following a nearly week-long shutdown. The reopening of these platforms has led to a flood of videos and photos documenting the harrowing experiences of students and others over the past two weeks, bringing global attention to the unrest.
The protests have been marked by violence, resulting in at least 16 children being killed and many others injured. One of the victims was 11-year-old Shafkat Samir, who was killed by a stray bullet while at home in Mirpur on July 19. His family recounted the tragic incident:
“My son used to study here at this table. My younger brother smelled tear gas and heard a loud noise from outside. He came to shut the window, and right behind him stood my son, who was trying to look outside. Then all of a sudden, a bullet came through the window, passed through my brother’s shoulder, and hit my son in the right eye.”
In another incident on July 16, a university student named Abu was shot at close range by police, becoming a symbol of the student protests. Despite the violence, students are determined to continue their demonstrations until their demands for justice and accountability are met. They are calling for the resignation of those responsible for the recent killings, including the Prime Minister and other government ministers.
The capital city of Dhaka remains calm but tense, with a continued crackdown by law enforcement agencies. Students have vowed to persist in their protests until their key demands are addressed.
International bodies, including the United Nations and the European Union, have expressed concern over the situation. They have cited credible evidence of human rights violations and the use of excessive force by security forces.
“We have asked the government, both in Dhaka and in New York, to look into this and to investigate because it’s obviously very concerning,” stated a UN spokesperson. The High Commissioner has called for a thorough, independent, impartial, and transparent investigation into the events of the past days.
Despite government assertions of restraint, Bangladesh’s Home Minister stated that security forces were compelled to open fire to defend government buildings. However, the widespread protests appear to be fueled by deep-seated anger, with the public demanding accountability for the violence.
As Bangladesh navigates this period of unrest, the world watches closely, hoping for a resolution that ensures justice and upholds human rights.
