SUMMARY

In July and August 2024, Bangladesh witnessed one of the deadliest periods of political violence in its recent history, driven by widespread protests known as the 2024 Bangladesh Quota Reform Movement. Initially a student-led response to the Supreme Court’s decision to reinstate a 30% quota in government entry-level positions for descendants of the 1971 “Freedom Fighters,” the movement quickly evolved into a broader confrontation between Opponents of Hasina and Supporters of Awami League.

The quota system, previously abolished in 2018 following nationwide protests demanding merit-based recruitment, was reinstated in 2024 by the Supreme Court of Bangladesh. The decision immediately sparked backlash. Demonstrators, organized under the banner of the Anti-Discrimination Students Movement, initially focused on reversing the reinstatement. However, after violent clashes with the Chhatra League (the Awami League’s student wing) and the police, protesters expanded their demands to include public apologies, the resignation of key officials, and compensation for victims’ families.

Supporters of Awami League, reportedly encouraged by Awami League officials to suppress the opposition movement, played a prominent role in the violent clashes during the protests. Protesters were often surrounded and attacked by these groups armed with sticks, knives, and firearms. As the government’s grip on the country weakened toward early August, violence continued to escalate with Opponents of Hasina intensifying retaliatory attacks, contributing to a spiral of instability. As the violence escalated, protest leaders launched a non-cooperation movement on 3 August, calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her cabinet. Just two days later, Hasina fled to India, marking the end of her tenure.