Although initially limited to the goal of reforming quotas in government jobs, the movement snowballed into a mass anti-government uprising after the deaths of several protesters. The movement was also fueled by ongoing socio-economic and political issues, including the government's mismanagement of the national economy, rampant corruption by government officials, human rights violations, allegations of undermining the country's sovereignty by Sheikh Hasina, and increasing authoritarianism and democratic backsliding.[14][15][16][17][18]
On 3 August 2024, coordinators of the Anti-discrimination Students Movement announced a one-point demand for the resignation of the Prime Minister and her cabinet and called for "comprehensive non-cooperation".[19][20] The following day, violent clashes broke out, resulting in the deaths of 97 people, including students. The coordinators called for a long march to Dhaka to force Hasina out of power on 5 August. That day, a large crowd of protesters made its way through the capital.[21] At around 3:00 p.m. (UTC+6), Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled to India, her government's biggest ally.[22] Widespread celebrations and violence occurred following her removal, while the military and President Mohammed Shahabuddin announced the formation of an interim government led by economist and Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.[23] Meanwhile, Indian media was seen engaging in a widespread disinformation campaign aimed at destabilizing Bangladesh following Hasina's resignation and departure to India.[24][25]
People gathering at Central Shahid Minar on 3 August, where the non-cooperation movement was declared
During the quota reform movement in 2024, participants—particularly students—faced resistance, mass arrests, and numerous deaths and injuries at the hands of police and other security forces. Six coordinators of the Anti-discrimination Students Movement, who were leading the initial quota reform movement, were also detained and were forcefully made to announce the conclusion of the protests by the Detective Branch (DB) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP). These events and authoritarianism fuelled people's anger against the government. On the morning of 3 August, one of the movement coordinators, Asif Mahmud, stated in a Facebook post that they would start a "non-cooperation movement" against the government, saying that it would be similar to that of "March '71".[26] In the afternoon, Prime Minister Hasina proposed talks with the protesters, saying that "The doors of Ganabhaban (the Prime Minister's official residence) are open".[27]
The Anti-discrimination Students Movement previously called for day-long protest programmes on 3 August. After day-long protests, students and ordinary people gathered at the central Shaheed Minar area with protest marches from different parts of Dhaka.[28] At around 5:30 p.m., Nahid Islam, one of the coordinators, addressed the assembled crowd at Shaheed Minar and announced that the movement's exclusive demand was the resignation of Hasina and her cabinet. He also called for a comprehensive non-cooperation movement starting from 4 August[29][30][31][32] and announced that they had no plans to negotiate with the government. He added that "we were forcefully offered to sit in talks with the Prime Minister. But we protested against this proposal by going on a hunger strike in DB custody."[33]
Activities
Directions of non-cooperation were outlined by the Anti-discrimination Students Movement coordinators on 3 August:[34]
No taxes or duties will be paid.
No bills, including electricity, gas, and water bills, will be paid.
All government and private institutions, offices, courts, and mills will remain closed; no one will go to work.
All government meetings, seminars, and events will be boycotted.
Port workers will not attend work; no product will be processed.
All factories will remain closed; garment workers will not go to work.
Mass transportation will remain closed.
Banks will be open every Sunday only for urgent personal transactions.
Police will not perform protocol duty, riot duty, or any special duty other than routine duty. Only station police will perform routine work.
All offshore transactions will be halted to prevent any money from being smuggled out.
Forces other than the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the Navy will not perform duty outside the cantonment. The Border Guard and the Navy will remain in barracks and coastal areas.
Bureaucrats will not go to the secretariat, and district commissioners or Upazila Nirbahi officers will not go to their respective offices.
Luxury stores, showrooms, shops, hotels, and restaurants will remain closed. However, hospitals, pharmacies, medicine and medical equipment transportation services, ambulance services, fire services, mass media, transportation of daily necessities, emergency internet services, emergency relief assistance, and transportation services for officials and employees in these sectors will continue. Grocery store will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
History
A protester is seen holding a sign that reads রক্তের দাগ শুকায় নাই ("The marks of blood have not yet dried"), featuring a demon-like depiction of Sheikh Hasina, a figure reminiscent of a similar portrayal of Yahya Khan from 1971.Protesters on the Raju Sculpture
On 4 August, thousands of protesters gathered at the Shahbag intersection in the morning, obstructing it as a form of civil disobedience to demand the government's resignation.[35]
At least 97 people died nationwide in confrontations, shootings, and pursuits related to the Non-cooperation movement. Fourteen police officers were killed across the country, with 13 deaths occurring at the Enayetpur police station in Sirajganj. Another officer was killed in Eliotganj, Comilla.[36] Twenty-seven police facilities were attacked and vandalized, and a hundred policemen were injured in these incidents, according to an official statement by the Bangladesh Police.[10]
In Dhaka, unidentified individuals set fire to and damaged various vehicles, including cars, ambulances, motorcycles, and buses, at the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University during the protests.[37] By 12:00 p.m., users across the country reported internet inaccessibility.[38] The government ordered the closure of Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp, Instagram, and all other Meta-owned services, directing internet service providers to comply after 1:00 p.m.[39] Later, the Minister of Information and BroadcastingMohammad A. Arafat confirmed that some social media platforms were temporarily blocked to prevent the spread of rumors amid protests.[40] An indefinite nationwide curfew was imposed starting at 6:00 p.m.[41][42] Additionally, all courts were also ordered to close indefinitely.[43]
The government declared a three-day general holiday starting from 5 August, during which banks will also remain closed.[44] The Anti-Discrimination Students Movement confirmed their intention to march towards Dhaka on 6 August to demand the Prime Minister's resignation.[45] The Bangladesh University Teachers' Network proposed a framework for an interim government, suggesting it be composed of teachers, judges, lawyers, and representatives from civil society, reflecting the views of various civil and political groups for a democratic transition.[46]
Asif Mahmud, a coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Students Movement, announced that their march to Dhaka had been rescheduled to 5 August, instead of 6 August. He called on protesters and civilians nationwide to march toward the capital and participate in civil disobedience.[47] Several former Bangladesh Army officers, including former chief of staff Iqbal Karim Bhuiyan, held a press briefing urging soldiers to return to camps and refrain from getting involved in the political crisis or being used against civilians.[48][49]
On 5 August, the Anti-discrimination Students Movement rejected the curfew.[50] In response to calls for the march to Dhaka, DMP Commissioner Habibur Rahman warned of zero tolerance, stating that firm legal action would be taken against those who violated the curfew.[51] Reports indicated that Hasina had been taken to a "safe shelter".[52] Up to 135 people were killed during protests that day.[53] Later that day, Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country.[54]
Outcome
Resignation of Sheikh Hasina
On 5 August 2024, at around 3:00 p.m., Prime Minister Hasina resigned and fled the country on a helicopter with her sister, Sheikh Rehana, to India,[2][22][55][3] arriving in Delhi via Agartala. Although she intended to record a speech, she did not have the opportunity to do so.[56] Reports indicated that in a meeting with security officials on 4 August, Hasina insisted on staying in power by using force against what she called "terrorists". However, military leaders warned her that the country would be approaching a civil war if they fired on the protesters. As she was determined to stay, the military leaders met her again on the next morning and concluded that her safety could no longer be guaranteed as protesters were soon to reach the Ganabhaban. Senior police officers had also warned her that their forces were running out of ammunition. She finally agreed to resign after talking to her close relatives. Hasina's son, Sajeeb Wazed, later said that his mother had begun considering resignation as early as 3 August but was only convinced to do so by close relatives who had been approached by senior military and police officials, according to media reports.[57][58]
Storming of Ganabhaban
People occupying the Ganabhaban
Shortly after Sheikh Hasina's departure, at around 3:00 p.m., protesters breached the gates of the Ganabhaban and entered the Prime Minister's residence looting, vandalizing, and destroying numerous items, including furniture.[59] They rummaged office files[60] and sat on her bed as well as her chair to take selfies.[61] Some protesters ate food and stole live animals,[62][63] while others took Hasina's luxury Dior suitcase and her sarees.[64]
Sheikh Hasina's departure
Reports indicated that Hasina, along with her sister Sheikh Rehana and senior Awami League official Salman F Rahman, fled Ganabhaban aboard a military helicopter before transferring to a C-130 Hercules aircraft of the Bangladesh Air Force. An internet blackout was enforced to hinder the tracking of her movements.[57][65] Initial reports suggested Hasina's flight, carrying the callsign AJAX1431, would land in Agartala, in the Indian state of Tripura. AJAX1431 switched off its transponder at around 17:00 local time over Lucknow, rendering the aircraft untraceable. Shortly, she was reported to have landed at the Hindan Air Force Station in Ghaziabad, on the outskirts of the Indian capital New Delhi, and was reportedly received by the Indian National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval at the base.[66][67] Her arrival in Delhi was subsequently confirmed by Indian Minister of External AffairsS. Jaishankar.[68] Sheikh Hasina is living in a secret location within India under tight security.[66]
Flightradar24 reported that her flight was, at one point, the most tracked flight worldwide, with other civilian aircraft traveling into and out of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka also being highly tracked.[69] She is expected to proceed to London for her safe passage[70] and seek political asylum in the United Kingdom, where Rehana's eldest daughter, Labour Party MP Tulip Siddiq is Economic Secretary to the Treasury under the incumbent Prime Minister Keir Starmer, while her youngest daughter Azmina Siddiq works for Control Risks as a global risk analysis editor.[71] However, such plans are believed to be on hold due to indications from the UK government that she would not receive legal protection from investigations into the violence in Bangladesh.[66]
Reprisal attacks against Awami League supporters and police
Awami League central office at Bangabandhu Avenue after being burnt, with protesters hanging a signboard reading সাধারণ ছাত্র ও জনতার কার্যালয় ("General students' and people's office")Wari Police Station after being destroyed
At least 232 people were reported to have been killed in the three days that followed Hasina's resignation.[108] This included at least 29 officials of the Awami League and associated groups as well as their relatives.[109] An Awami League office in Chittagong was also set ablaze by miscreants.[81] Two vehicles of the BGB were set ablaze by the rioters and five were killed in clashes between BGB and demonstrators.[110] Jails in Satkhira and Sherpur districts were attacked, leading to prisoner escapes.[111][112] In Satkhira alone, 596 prisoners escaped, although more than 400 of them voluntarily returned within days.[113] An Awami League leader in Satkhira was hacked to death along with four associates after fatally shooting three members of a crowd that attacked his residence.[114] An installation of Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Force was also vandalized and partially burnt. Ansar retaliated by killing two demonstrators.[115] In Bogra, a police station was attacked and an Awami League office was set ablaze.[116] A violent mob attacked Baniachang police station in Habiganj and set it ablaze. Police retaliated killing six rioters. A total of 150 people, including police personnel were wounded in the incident.[117]
Six people were killed and more than a hundred wounded in Kushtia when police opened fire on rioters.[118] Seven police stations were burnt and destroyed in Chittagong.[119] A demonstrator was fatally shot by the police in Manikganj, following the vandalism of a local police station.[120] Despite the peaceful nature of a victory march in Srimangal, police intervention resulted in injuries to more than a hundred participants.[121] In Jessore, at least 24 people, including an Indonesian national, were killed after a hotel belonging to a district leader of the Awami League was set on fire.[122] Two union council chairs were beaten to death by mobs in separate incidents in Khulna and Chandpur.[123][124] Clashes between BGB and demonstrators led to the deaths of six people, including a BGB soldier in Gazipur,[125] where a protest outside a jail also resulted in the escape of 209 inmates.[126] In Kishoreganj, a clash between Awami League leaders and activists led to the death of five individuals and left hundreds injured, including journalists.[127]
Operations at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka were suspended for eight hours.[128] The Higher Secondary Certificate examinations, which were originally scheduled for 11 August, had to be postponed. This decision was made after the question papers suffered damage during the attacks on police stations.[129]
On 10 August, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) dismissed the head of its Bauphal upazila branch following complaints about his alleged involvement in the violence and looting.[130]
Hindus were widely perceived as strong supporters of the Hasina regime. Hours after Hasina's departure, reports surfaced about attacks against Hindus in Bangladesh.[131] Haradhan Roy, a Hindu councilor from the Awami League in Rangpur, and Mrinal Kanti Chatterjee, a Hindu school teacher in Dhaka were killed.[131][132][133] Between 200-300 houses and businesses and 15-20 temples belonging to the Hindu community were attacked by mobs in at least 52 of the country's 64 districts since 5 August.[132][134][135][lower-alpha 4] More than 100 Hindus were injured in these attacks.[131][134]
According to most observers, the attacks were mostly politically motivated where victims were primarily Awami League leaders, activists, and police but some Hindus with no political affiliation were also affected.[134][131][24] The coordinators of the student movement denounced these attacks and urged the public not to participate in such violence.[140]
Thousands of Bangladeshi Hindus attempted to flee to India after being attacked, however, they were turned back by the border guards from both countries.[141][139] Indian Border Security Force (BSF) arrested nearly a dozen Bangladeshis who were trying to cross the border to escape the violence and political unrest.[142] In Lalmonirhat, an Awami League leader was seen spreading rumors, urging local Hindus to gather at the border with India and engage with Indian leaders who were expected to arrive there. Reportedly, he successfully assembled thousands of Hindus at the border before they were dispersed by the BGB and local police.[143][144][145]
Meanwhile, students and members of the Muslim community, including madrasa students, were seen standing guard at temples and churches to protect them.[146][147] Chief adviser to the interim government, Muhammad Yunus, also denounced the violence, stating that there was no room for discrimination in Bangladesh.[148] The interim government also assured that it would "immediately sit with the representative bodies and other concerned groups to find ways to resolve such heinous attacks".[149]
Security crisis
Following the resignation of Sheikh Hasina, police were absent from their duties, leading to a surge in burglaries and thefts in residential areas of Dhaka. These incidents caused widespread panic among residents, who were compelled to guard their neighborhoods at night.[150] Reports indicted the presence of robbers on 6 and 7 August. During this time, banks and ATM booths were nearly out of cash due to the security crisis.[151] In response, anti-robbery committees were established throughout the city.[152] Additionally, residents effectively used social media platforms to prevent further burglaries.[153]
Disinformation
Some Indian media outlets were disseminating disinformation regarding attacks on minorities in Bangladesh with an intent to destabilize the country after Hasina's departure. [citation needed]
Gobinda Pramanik, president of the Bangladesh National Hindu Grand Alliance, criticized the Indian media, suggesting that they inaccurately portrayed the situation. Pramanik stated that the incidents of vandalism targeted only the homes of certain Awami League leaders, both Hindu and Muslim, who had a history of aggressive actions. He further noted that members of opposition parties, including the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, were involved in protecting Hindu temples and homes from potential attacks.[154][155]
BNP leader Gayeshwar Chandra Roy also denied claims made by Indian media that his party is anti-Hindu, asserting that the BNP has been inclusive of all communities in Bangladesh and has consistently supported all religious groups. He highlighted his own role as a former minister in a BNP-led government and as a member of the party's highest decision-making body.[156]
Numerous India-based social media accounts circulated several misleading videos and images about attacks on Bangladeshi Hindus, which were subsequently debunked by several fact-checking organizations.[25] A false report also claimed that the house of Bangladeshi cricketerLiton Das had been set on fire, which was later debunked.[157][158] Das himself refuted the claim in a Facebook post.[159] Several television news outlets also ran headlines claiming that the violence constituted an "act of genocide" and a "pogrom", while an alleged arson attack on a Hindu temple was later found to have occurred at an adjacent Awami League office.[160]
Quoting a BJP leader, Indian media falsely claimed that more than 10 million Bangladeshi Hindus are heading towards India to seek refuge, adding that Bangladesh is becoming an "Islamic State". According to Bangladeshi political analyst Zahed Ur Rahman, Indian media viewed the situation in Bangladesh through "their islamophobic eye", despite the view in Bangladesh that it was a popular movement.[24]
Analysts Farid Erkizia Bakht and Siddharth Varadarajan suggested that India's intent to destabilize Bangladesh through this disinformation campaign stems from the disappointment of losing a valuable ally like Sheikh Hasina and from apprehensions about the new government in the country.[24]
Aftermath and impact
Restoration of services
As per reports, broadband internet services were reinstated approximately at 1:00 p.m. on 5 August,[161] followed by the restoration of cellular internet access after 2:00 p.m.[162] However, access to social media platforms continued to be restricted.[163][164] The curfew was rescinded on 6 August, and offices, businesses, and schools were permitted to resume operations on the same day.[165]
On 5 August, the Chief of Army Staff, Waker-uz-Zaman, convened a meeting with representatives from BNP, Jatiya Party (Ershad), and Jamaat-e-Islami[166] and called for the creation of an interim government within 48 hours, excluding the Awami League.[167] Subsequent reports indicated that Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel laureate, had been approached to be the head of the interim government. Other possible names for the head of government included Salahuddin Ahmed, a former governor of Bangladesh Bank, retired General Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, and lawyer Sara Hossain.[168] The nomination of Yunus, who accepted the advisory role in the interim government, has also been supported by prominent figures within the student movement.[169] In addition, Waker-uz-Zaman pledged an investigation by the military into the preceding incidents of violence and issued an order prohibiting security forces from opening fire on crowds.[170]
President Mohammed Shahabuddin issued an order for the release of all students who had been detained during the protests, as well as Khaleda Zia, the former prime minister and chairperson of the BNP.[53] Zia has been a long-standing political adversary of Sheikh Hasina. This decision was made unanimously at a meeting attended by major opposition parties and the heads of the armed services.[171] On 6 August, in response to an ultimatum from the student movement that warned of further demonstrations, Shahabuddin dissolved the Jatiya Sangsad.[172] Additionally, a reorganization was carried out within the Bangladesh Armed Forces,[128] while Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun was removed as Inspector-General of the Bangladesh Police.[173] Following a meeting with student leaders on 6 August, Shahabuddin formally appointed Yunus on 7 August as head of the interim government,[174] Yunus, who was in Paris, returned to Dhaka on 8 August[175] and was inaugurated later that day along with the rest of his cabinet at the Bangabhaban.[176][177] Among those who joined the interim government as advisers were two leaders of the student movement, Nahid Islam and Asif Mahmud.[178]
Police strike
On 6 August, the Bangladesh Police Service Association initiated a strike, demanding for enhanced security measures for its members. The association expressed regret for the role of the police force in the recent unrest and violence. It stated that its officers were "forced to open fire", subsequently being portrayed as the "villain."[179] Students and several paramilitary personnel were subsequently seen directing traffic and maintaining law and order functions in Dhaka,[180] while Bangladesh Air Force personnel were deployed to secure Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.[181] The newly-appointed Inspector-General of Police, Md. Moinul Islam, issued an order for all officers to report for duty by the evening of 8 August.[23] On 11 August, retired Brigadier General M Sakhawat Hossain, serving as the adviser for home affairs in the interim government, appealed to police officers to resume their duties at their respective stations. He provided assurances that their grievances would be addressed and their demands fulfilled.[182] The strike ended on 11 August following a meeting between the association and the interim government.[183] By 15 August, regular operations at all 639 police stations nationwide had resumed.[184]
Financial impact
On 6 August, the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) saw a positive reaction from investors during its first opening following the resignation of Sheikh Hasina. The broad-based index of the DSE, known as DSEX, experienced its largest increase since 3 January. A total of twelve stocks reached their upper circuits, which permit a maximum daily price increase of 10%. This marked a significant improvement from the previous few weeks of student protests, during which most stocks were hitting their lower circuits, restricting the daily price fall to no more than 3%. The indices began with a substantial upward gap, which is considered the strongest opening in the last three to four years.[185][186]
Prosecutions
On 13 August, former Awami League MP Nizam Uddin Hazari was named as a primary accused in a murder case related to the killing of an auto-rickshaw driver in Feni during the protests on 4 August. Approximately 400 other Awami League members and officials were also charged in this case, including Feni Sadar Upazila Chair Shusen Chandra Shil, the Awami League President in the upazila, and Feni Municipality Mayor Nazrul Islam Swapan Miazi.[187]
On 14 August, the father of a student killed during the protests filed a petition at the International Crimes Tribunal. The petition called for an investigation into charges of genocide and crimes against humanity against Sheikh Hasina and nine other individuals, including the General Secretary of Bangladesh Awami League and former Road Transport and Bridges MinisterObaidul Quader, and former Minister of Home AffairsAsaduzzaman Khan Kamal over their role in the crackdown on the protests. The Awami League and its associated organizations were also named as accused in the petition. A formal investigation was initiated by the court later that day.[188] On 15 August, two additional murder charges were filed against Sheikh Hasina and several of her associates over the deaths of two people during the protests.[189][190]
On 7 August, several officials from the Bangladesh Bank initiated a protest near the governor's office. Their objective was to compel the resignation of certain high-ranking officials due to their alleged involvement in corruption.[191] That same day, one of the bank's deputy governors resigned, with three others expressing their intention to follow suit. On 9 August, the bank's governor, Abdur Rouf Talukder, resigned from his position, citing personal reasons.[192]
On 9 August, the Bangladesh Hindu Jagran Mancha organized a protest in Dhaka condemning the attacks on Hindus.[135] The group called for the establishment of a Ministry of Minorities and a Minority Protection Commission, the implementation of strict laws against attacks on minorities, and a 10% quota in parliament for minority groups.[193] Protests against anti-Hindu attacks were also held in Tangail and Khulna.[194][195] On the same day, thousands of Awami League supporters staged a two-hour blockade on a section of the Dhaka–Khulna highway in Gopalganj, demanding Sheikh Hasina's return.[196] On 10 August, an intervention by the army to disperse the protestors escalated into a confrontation. The clash resulted in 15 individuals being injured and an army vehicle being set ablaze.[197]
On 10 August, Hasnat Abdullah, one of the student movement coordinators, called for protests to be held at the Supreme Court of Bangladesh. Meanwhile another coordinator and interim government adviser, Asif Mahmud, criticized Chief JusticeObaidul Hassan for convening a meeting of the court's Appellate Division without consulting the government and demanded his resignation. Protesters also demanded the resignation of the court's other seven members, accusing them of being highly politicized. After protesters gathered at the court, Hassan stated that he had agreed to resign "in principle".[198][199] He was replaced by Syed Refaat Ahmed, who nomination was proposed by student leaders.[200] Five members of the Appellate Division also resigned.[201]
On 14 August, protesters occupied the Dhanmondi 32 area of Dhaka to prevent Awami League supporters from marching in commemoration of the anniversary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's assassination in 1975.[202] Thirty people were held by protesters on suspicion of association with the Awami League, particularly those who were found to be carrying images of Sheikh Mujibur or other information relating to the Awami League in their possession or on mobile phones.[203] Protesters were also accused of harassing journalists filming the event following complaints by correspondents from Reuters, The New York Times, and other media outlets.[204]
The BNP also called for a nationwide sit-in on 15 and 16 August, demanding that Sheikh Hasina be put on trial for genocide in connection with the killings of protesters.[205]
4-point demand
On 13 August, the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement announced a campaign called Resistance Week, centred around four key demands. These demands included the creation of a special tribunal for the speedy trials of killings during the quota reform and non-cooperation movements; justice for the attacks on minorities following Sheikh Hasina's resignation; the removal of government officials who supported the government, opposed the movement and suppressed the activists; and ensuring equality for discriminated officials in government sectors.[206]
Reactions
Domestic
Massive victory procession after the resignation of Hasina
Muhammad Yunus, who was in Paris undergoing a medical procedure at the time of Hasina's departure, hailed her resignation as Bangladesh's "second Independence Day".[207] He also committed to returning to Bangladesh "without delay", responding affirmatively to a request from the student movement to guide the interim government.[208]
In her first public address following her release, Khaleda Zia commended "the brave people who were in a do-or-die struggle to make possible the impossible". She emphasized the need for restraint and advocated for "love and peace" as essential in the process of rebuilding Bangladesh.[176]Tarique Rahman, who is currently serving as the acting chair of the BNP and is based in London, declared that "Hasina's resignation is a testament to the power of the people"[209] and urged for "restraint".[128] On 7 August, during a rally in Dhaka, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Secretary General of BNP, called for the holding of fair elections within the next three months.[210] On 13 August, the BNP formally requested the United Nations (UN) to conduct an international investigation into the killings during the protests.[211] In a phone call with chief adviser Muhammad Yunus on 14 August, UN human rights chief Volker Türk said that such an investigation would come "very soon".[212]
Sajeeb Wazed, the son and adviser of Sheikh Hasina, initially announced on 5 August that his mother intended to retire from politics. On 7 August, he amended this statement clarifying that both Hasina and the Awami League would continue to be active in the political landscape of Bangladesh.[175] He further mentioned that she would return to the country once elections were declared.[213] On 10 August, he claimed to Reuters that Hasina is still the Prime Minister as she did not get enough time to formally submit her resignation to the President, due to protesters advancing towards her official residence.[214] Later in an interview published on 14 August, he expressed that the stand of the fifth Hasina ministry on the quota system was wrong and they should have supported the protesters from the first.[215]
On 11 August, in what is said to be her first statement published by the Indian media after her fleeing to the country, Sheikh Hasina confirmed that she resigned and conceded defeat to avoid further bloodshed. She attributed her decision to resign to pressure from the United States and urged Awami League supporters to keep their morale high.[216] Shortly thereafter, Wazed refuted the statement as "completely false and fabricated," emphasizing that Hasina "did not make any statement before or after leaving Dhaka".[217] On 12 August, the Rumor Scanner Bangladesh investigated the matter and declared the reports about Sheikh Hasina's statement as fake and rumour.[218] On 13 August, Hasina released her first confirmed statements since her overthrow, published by Wazed, calling for an investigation into the killings during the protests. She also insisted that the police and the Awami League were victims of "terrorist aggression".[219]
International
Canada: Foreign minister Melanie Joly called for "all parties to work together to promote the principles of democratic and inclusive governance, respect for human rights, and the rule of law." She supported a "peaceful way forward" to resolve the crisis.[220]
EU: Vice-President of the European Commission, Josep Borrell called for "calm and restraint" stating orderly and peaceful transition towards a democratically elected government is vital. He added that human rights and democratic principles must be respected.[221]
India: The Ministry of External Affairs stated that the Indian Government is closely monitoring the unfolding events in Bangladesh and assured continuous support to its citizens.[222] It advised Indian nationals to exercise utmost caution while in Bangladesh and to maintain regular contact with the High Commission of India in Dhaka. In response to the situation, India has placed its Border Security Force on high alert along its 4,096 km border with Bangladesh. Additionally, India has suspended all train and flight services to Dhaka,[223] while the state government of Meghalaya has enforced a night curfew in areas bordering Bangladesh. The movement of goods at the Petrapole border crossing has also been put on hold.[224] The Delhi Police increased security at the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi.[225] In his Independence Day address on 15 August, Prime Minister Narendra Modi voiced concern over the unrest in Bangladesh and expressed hope that "the situation gets normal there soon".[226]
Russia: The Foreign Ministry described the events as an "internal affair" of Bangladesh and expressed hope for a quick return to constitutional norms.[227]
UK: Foreign Secretary David Lammy urged the UN to conduct a comprehensive and independent probe into the recent events in Bangladesh.[221] The spokesperson for Prime Minister Keir Starmer labeled the violence as "completely unacceptable", expressing deep concern over the "significant loss of life, including of students, children and law enforcement officers". Meanwhile, the Bangladeshi community in Whitechapel, London, celebrated the removal of Sheikh Hasina from power.[209]
UN: Secretary-General António Guterres called for a "peaceful, orderly and democratic transition". His spokesperson, Farhan Haq, advocated for an independent, impartial, and transparent investigation into the violence.[221]
USA: The White House issued a call for the formation of a democratic interim government and has urged all involved parties to cease further violence and expedite the restoration of peace.[228] It also denied accusations attributed to Sheikh Hasina that the US was involved in her overthrow.[229] In an advisory released on 6 August, US citizens were strongly advised against traveling to Bangladesh "due to civil unrest, crime, and terrorism".[128]
The movement, along with its precursor, the 2024 Bangladesh quota reform movement, has been dubbed the world's first successful "Gen Z revolution" by several international media, as it was organized and led by Generation Z leaders.[230][231][232][233] John Reed of the Financial Times called it the "Monsoon Revolution".[234] Bangladeshi political analyst Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah called it "Bangla Spring" saying people refer the movement by it.[235]
Gallery
Protesters at Central Shaheed Minar
A female protester holding sign reading "মানবে না হার এই গণজোয়ার" ("This mass wave won't give up")
A protester holding a sign reading ১৮ কোটি গুলি আছে তো? ("Have 180 million bullets [for 180 million people]?")
Large portrait of Hasina at Dhaka University splatted with red colour
The Bangladesh Awami League, simply known as Awami League, is one of the major political parties in Bangladesh. The oldest existing political party in the country, the party played a large role in achieving Bangladeshi independence both before and after the Bangladesh Liberation War. It is also one of the two most dominant parties in the country, along with its archrival Bangladesh Nationalist Party. Throughout its tenure as the ruling party from 2009 to August 5, 2024, it has been consistently described as authoritarian.
Sheikh Hasina Wazed is a Bangladeshi politician who served as the tenth prime minister of Bangladesh from June 1996 to July 2001 and again from January 2009 to August 2024. She is the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father and first president of Bangladesh. Having served for a combined total of over 20 years, she is the longest serving prime minister in the history of Bangladesh. She was the world's longest-serving female head of government. Her premiership ended in self-imposed exile following a series of violent protests in 2024.
Sajeeb Ahmed Wazed, also known as Sajeeb Wazed Joy, is a Bangladeshi businessman and politician. He is a member of the Bangladesh Awami League and served as advisor to the prime minister of Bangladesh on information and communication technology affairs.
The Bangladesh Chhatra League, formerly known as the East Pakistan Student League, often simply called the Chhatra League, is a students' political organisation in Bangladesh, founded by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on 4 January 1948. BSL is the student wing of the Bangladesh Awami League.
The 21 August 2004 Dhaka grenade attack took place at an anti-terrorism rally organised by Awami League on Bangabandhu Avenue on 21 August 2004. The attack left 24 dead and more than 500 injured. The attack was carried out at 5:22 pm after Sheikh Hasina, the leader of opposition had finished addressing a crowd of 20,000 people from the back of a truck. Hasina also sustained some injuries in the attack. The involvement of BNP-Jamaat led government is still debated.
The 2018 Bangladesh Quota Reform Movement was a students' movement demanding reforms in policies regarding recruitment in the Bangladesh government services. Bangladesh Sadharon Chhatra Odhikar Songrokkhon Parishad initiated movement initially began in Shahbag and on Dhaka University campus on 17 February 2018, and eventually spread country-wide by 8 April 2018. The movement rapidly attained popularity among students of different universities and colleges forcing the government to announce changes.
A series of public protests in Bangladesh advocating improved road safety were held from 29 July to 10 August 2018. They were sparked by the deaths of two high-school students in Dhaka struck by a bus operated by an unlicensed driver who was racing to collect passengers. The incident impelled students to demand safer roads and stricter traffic laws, and the demonstrations rapidly spread throughout Bangladesh.
National Mourning Day of Bangladesh is a commemorative and former public holiday in Bangladesh. On 15 August of every year, the day is observed with mourning. The day is also observed officially and nationally during the government led by Awami League. The black flag is hoisted as well as the national flag is kept at half-mast.
The Bangladesh protests of 2022–24 was a series of protests against the government of Sheikh Hasina between 2022 and 2024. Anti-government protests broke out in Bangladesh on 10 December 2022. The protests were initiated by the Bangladeshi opposition, which vowed to continue protests despite autocratic crackdown. The protests remained low-level, with some vandalisation occurring in November and December 2023. Later in July 2024, it accelerated to the quota reform movement and finally the non-cooperation movement, leading to Hasina fleeing the country after resigning.
Mohammed Shahabuddin, also known as Chuppu, is a Bangladeshi jurist, civil servant and politician, is the 16th and incumbent President of Bangladesh. He was elected unopposed in the 2023 presidential election in the nomination of the ruling Awami League. Prior to his presidency, he served as a district and sessions judge and a commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission from 2011 to 2016.
The following is a list of scheduled and expected events for the year 2024 in Bangladesh. 2024 (MMXXIV) is the current year, and is a leap year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar, the 2024th year of the Common Era (CE) and Anno Domini (AD) designations, the 24th year of the 3rd millennium and the 21st century, and the 5th year of the 2020s decade.
The 2024 Bangladesh quota reform movement was a series of anti-government and pro-democracy protests in Bangladesh, spearheaded primarily by university students. Initially focused on restructuring quota-based systems for government job recruitment, the movement expanded against what many perceive as an authoritarian government when hundreds of protestors and civilians, most of whom were students, were killed. The majority of the fatalities were caused by gunshots fired by the police and other government forces, using lethal and deadly weapons, against unarmed protestors and non-protesting civilians, including children and pedestrians.
The quota reform movement in Bangladesh has been organized to demand reduction of quota in government jobs and recruitment based on merit. There have been three agitations for quota reforms in Bangladesh. So far, the general university and college students are in favor of this movement and the Awami League ruling Bangladesh government, Chhatra League and Awami League like-minded organisations are against.
2024 Bangladesh quota reform movement is a protest organized to demand reform the quota system in Bangladesh. The movement started soon after the High Court Division of the Bangladesh Supreme Court declared the circular issued by the government in 2018, invalid on June 5, 2024.
An interim government led by the Muhammad Yunus ministry in Bangladesh was formed on 8 August 2024, following the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina 3 days prior in the face of the student protests against the government. Following the dissolution of the 12th Jatiya Sangsad on 6 August, the interim cabinet will remain in office until the holding of a snap general election. The government is extra-constitutional as transitional government system was abolished from the constitution by the Awami League in 2011, but the Supreme Court of Bangladesh affirmed the legality of the government on 9 August 2024.
Nahid Islam is a Bangladeshi student activist. He has been an adviser of ICT to the interim government of Bangladesh since August 8, 2024. He was one of the main coordinators of the Anti-discrimination Students Movement, which led the 2024 Bangladesh quota reform movement, which later turned into a non-cooperation movement leading to the overthrow of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government. He is currently serving under Chief Adviser, Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus.
Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan is a Bangladeshi student activist, who has been an advisor to the 2024 Bangladesh interim government. He was one of the leaders of the 2024 Bangladesh quota reform movement, which later turned into the Non-cooperation movement, leading to Sheikh Hasina's government's fall.
Sarjis Alam is a Bangladeshi activist. He was one of the main coordinators of the Anti-discrimination Students Movement, which led the 2024 Bangladesh quota reform movement, which later turned into a non-cooperation movement leading to the overthrow of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government.
Following the success of the Non-Cooperation Movement on August 5, 2024, a series of attacks targeting the Hindu community in Bangladesh began. Reports indicated that the violence, driven by political or random factors, coincided with a broader breakdown of law and order across the country. These attacks specifically targeted homes, businesses, and temples belonging to Hindus. Between 200-300 houses and businesses and 15-20 temples belonging to the Hindu community were attacked by mobs in at least 52 of the country's 64 districts since 5 August. As of 13 August, at least five people from the Hindu community have been killed in these attacks.
Hasnat Abdullah is a Bangladeshi activist and a coordinator of the Anti-discrimination Students Movement, which led both the 2024 Bangladesh quota reform movement and the 2024 non-cooperation movement. He is currently a student in the English Department at Dhaka University.
↑ Preliminary Analysis of Recent Protests and Unrest in Bangladesh (Report). Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. 16 August 2024. pp.6–7. According to available public reports by media and the protest movement itself, between 16 July and 11 August, more than 600 people were killed. Of these, nearly 400 deaths were reported from 16 July to 4 August, while around 250 people were reportedly killed following the new wave of protests between 5 and 6 August. [...] 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. Furthermore, hospitals were reportedly prevented by State authorities from providing details of those killed and injured. The majority of deaths and injuries have been attributed to the security forces and the student wing affiliated with the Awami League.
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