July 25, 2024 – Dhaka: Cultural and social organizations have called for a fair and impartial investigation under the United Nations, condemning the false cases, arbitrary arrests, and loss of lives due to nationwide violence centred on the quota reform movement. The demand was made during a rally held in front of the National Press Club at around 11 am on Friday, organized under the banner of ‘Protestant Cultural and Social Organisation.’
Daily Samakal’s advisory editor, Abu Saeed Khan, spoke at the rally, stating, “The quota reform movement was justified. But the government used force to suppress the movement, resulting in scores of deaths. Despite such a large number of deaths, the government has not expressed regret.”
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, chief executive of Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA), added, “No one can remain silent after seeing this number of deaths. When I close my eyes, I can see those bodies. We have seen the drama of Judge Mea in previous judicial inquiries. So, we want a fair and impartial investigation under the UN.”
Highlighting the plight of the injured, Hasan pointed out that those seriously injured by police firing were forced to seek treatment from multiple hospitals, many of which refused to treat them. “We condemn this kind of health system,” she stated.
Expressing solidarity with the protest, Barrister Sarah Hossain, honorary executive director of Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST), said, “We have the right to know the actual number of victims. From the government’s statement, it seems they are more worried about state wealth than life. Are infrastructures more valuable than life?”
Professor Samina Lutfa of Dhaka University pointed out that thousands have been injured by law enforcement forces, with more than two hundred people killed. “The country is now under a dictatorial regime. The government must take responsibility for these killings,” she declared.
A total of 31 cultural and social organizations participated in the program, uniting in their demand for justice and accountability in the wake of the violence that has shaken the nation.July 25, 2024 – Dhaka: Cultural and social organizations have called for a fair and impartial investigation under the United Nations, condemning the false cases, arbitrary arrests, and loss of lives due to nationwide violence centred on the quota reform movement. The demand was made during a rally held in front of the National Press Club at around 11 am on Friday, organized under the banner of ‘Protestant Cultural and Social Organisation.’
Daily Samakal’s advisory editor, Abu Saeed Khan, spoke at the rally, stating, “The quota reform movement was justified. But the government used force to suppress the movement, resulting in scores of deaths. Despite such a large number of deaths, the government has not expressed regret.”
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, chief executive of Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA), added, “No one can remain silent after seeing this number of deaths. When I close my eyes, I can see those bodies. We have seen the drama of Judge Mea in previous judicial inquiries. So, we want a fair and impartial investigation under the UN.”
Highlighting the plight of the injured, Hasan pointed out that those seriously injured by police firing were forced to seek treatment from multiple hospitals, many of which refused to treat them. “We condemn this kind of health system,” she stated.
Expressing solidarity with the protest, Barrister Sarah Hossain, honorary executive director of Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST), said, “We have the right to know the actual number of victims. From the government’s statement, it seems they are more worried about state wealth than life. Are infrastructures more valuable than life?”
Professor Samina Lutfa of Dhaka University pointed out that thousands have been injured by law enforcement forces, with more than two hundred people killed. “The country is now under a dictatorial regime. The government must take responsibility for these killings,” she declared.
A total of 31 cultural and social organizations participated in the program, uniting in their demand for justice and accountability in the wake of the violence that has shaken the nation.
