The Student Union and Student Societies of the International Islamic University Malaysia are deeply saddened and horrified by the escalating violence and ongoing conflict in Bangladesh resulting from the recent Quota Reform Protests. The reinstatement of the job quota policy by the Bangladeshi High Court, which allocates 30% of government jobs to descendants of freedom fighters, has sparked widespread unrest.
We express our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the hundreds of individuals who have lost their lives in the riots as of today. Tens of thousands more have been injured, and the unsubstantiated damage is a testament to the gravity of the situation. The deployment of riot police, the use of tear gas, and lethal weapons against peaceful protestors, most of whom are students, is a stark violation of the fundamental rights to freedom of speech and assembly which has led to widespread violence. The shutdown of telecommunications, including mobile networks, further exacerbates the situation by silencing the voices of the people.
We stand in solidarity with the students of Bangladesh and are inspired by their courageous efforts in calling for the reform of the job quota system and advocating for a merit-based employment system. The protestors’ demands for a reform of the quota system only seek to establish a fair and just system of employment.
IIUM Student Union, along with the signatory student societies and clubs of IIUM, stands in solidarity with the students of Bangladesh whose rights and freedoms are being oppressed. We also call upon the Malaysian government to ensure the safety and assist in the evacuation of Malaysian students in Bangladesh. We hope and pray for the safety of our friends and their families. We urge the student and youth communities worldwide, especially in Malaysia, to conduct a non-violent show of solidarity for our fellow university students in Bangladesh through social media platforms and peaceful demonstrations to raise awareness of the situation.
THIS STATEMENT IS SUPPORTED AND ENDORSED BY:
1. IIUM Student Union (IIUMSU)
2. IIUM Bangladesh Community (IIUMBDC)
3. Al-Aqsa Friends’ Society
4. Association of Indian Students IIUM
5. Pakistan Students Society IIUM
6. International Unity (InUnity)
7. IIUM Japanese Society
