The Global Call to Action Against Poverty (GCAP) strongly condemns the brutal and repressive actions in Bangladesh in response to students’ protest over a legitimate demand for equal access to all government jobs. We denounce the violent crackdown and brutality against student demonstrators protesting the quota system that promotes systemic inequality in access to government jobs. The brutal attacks, killings and arrests of student protesters are gross violations of human rights in Bangladesh.

Download the statement in English.

Nepali civil society protests in front of the Bangladesh Embassy in Nepal against the Bangladeshi government’s autocratic
measures targeting students and civil society organizations (CSOs) in Bangladesh.

The protests intensified nationwide after a university student in Rangpur district, Abu Sayed was killed by police. Deadly clashes between protesters, ruling party activists, and police erupted across the country. Law enforcement authorities used extensive force and fatal weapons to suppress the demonstrations. More than 204 people have been killed, according to mainstream reports.  Many observers believe the actual death toll could be much higher. Thousands of demonstrators have also been injured. The imposition of curfew and a communication blackout, including shutting down internet and mobile networks, has had deadly consequences. It raises serious questions about the government’s commitment to democratic principles and human rights. Such actions illustrate the government’s disregard for the right to peaceful protest. As the Bangladesh Supreme Court has scrapped the job quotas, the government should assure the protesting students of the implementation of the court’s order and fulfil their demands. We also demand to ensure safety of students in the educational institutions and call for an end to the torture, intimidation, and threats against student leaders who lead the movement.

Arjun Bhattarai, GCAP Global Co-Chair, protesting against thebrutal
crackdown on student demonstrations by the Bangladeshi government.

GCAP calls for immediate accountability for those responsible for the violence and urges the Bangladesh government to:

1. End the violent crackdown on students and protesters
2. Lift the curfew and restore internet and communication channels
3. Ensure that no protesters or their families face legal repercussions
4. Give proper compensation to the victims’ families
5. Uphold the democratic right to peaceful protest and protect the safety of all citizens

We stand in solidarity with the students and people of Bangladesh and all those fighting for justice, equality, and human rights. We call on the international community to join hands in urging the Bangladesh government to restore peace and right to freedom of speech in the country.