14 July 2024: Anti-quota movement escalates after Hasina calls protesters ‘Razakars’
Hasina’s remark calling protesters ‘Razakars’ during a press conference added fuel to the fire of the anti-quota movement on 14 July
On 14 July 2024, the streets of Dhaka once again filled with the chants and footsteps of thousands of students, as the anti-quota movement reached a pivotal moment.
Under the banner of the Student Movement Against Discrimination, university students, job seekers, and civil society allies gathered at Dhaka University and beyond, marching towards Bangabhaban to submit a memorandum to the President demanding rational reform of the quota system in government recruitment.
The march officially began at noon from the DU Central Library, winding its way through Shahbagh and Matsya Bhaban before heading towards the President's residence.
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Students from Jagannath University, the seven DU-affiliated colleges, Jahangirnagar University, and various institutions across the country joined the demonstration. While protesters in the capital aimed to directly hand over their memorandum, students in districts like Barisal, Rajshahi, Khulna, and Chattogram took to the streets and local DC offices to submit memorandums through their respective deputy commissioners.
If the grandchildren of freedom fighters do not receive benefits, should the grandchildren of Razakars receive them instead?
Nahid Islam, one of the key coordinators of the movement, said in the memorandum they mentioned a 24-hour ultimatum for convening an urgent parliament session to pass a law addressing their one-point demand — reforming the quota in government jobs bringing down it to 5% only for marginalised people.
"We expect to see visible action within 24 hours," he added.
Regarding the case filed with Shahbagh police station against the demonstrators, Nahid said that they extended their deadline by another 24 hours to withdraw the case.
"If the case is not withdrawn within this time, we will intensify our movement," he said, referring to their previous 24 hours ultimatum issued on 13 July.
Protesters reiterated their one-point demand: abolish the "unreasonable and discriminatory" quota system in all grades of public service and enact legislation to reserve a maximum of 5% of government jobs for historically marginalised groups, in line with constitutional provisions.
As the protests unfolded, Sheikh Hasina held a press conference at Ganabhaban where she doubled down on her stance, expressing disapproval of the protesters' demands. She said, "If the grandchildren of freedom fighters do not receive benefits, should the grandchildren of Razakars receive them instead?"
If the case is not withdrawn within 24 hours, we will intensify our movement.
Hasina also claimed the government's hands were tied. "Until the court decides on the matter, there is nothing we can do and that's the reality. They must accept it."
The comment was widely perceived as inflammatory and dismissive. In response, students at DU, Jahangirnagar University, Chittagong University, and other campuses launched late-night processions condemning her words. Slogans echoed through university halls well past midnight, accusing the government of vilifying dissenters as anti-liberation.
Tensions escalated sharply as Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) members were accused of attacking protesters at Jahangirnagar University, Chittagong University, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, and elsewhere.
At least one student from each university was reportedly injured. Some witnesses claimed crude bombs were thrown in Chattogram, and video footage circulated on social media showed protestors being chased and beaten. Despite these provocations, students remained resolute.
