17 July 2024: Students oust Chhatra League from campuses, Hasina promises 'justice' after deadly crackdown
Dhaka and several other districts witnessed pitched street battles, blockades, and massive student processions.
In a sweeping escalation of the nationwide student movement, protesters on 17 July 2024 expelled Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) activists from major public universities — including Dhaka University — and declared their campuses "free from politics."
The declaration came amid mounting public anger following deadly violence the day before.
On 16 July, six people were killed during nationwide protests that were met with fierce attacks allegedly carried out by ruling party affiliates, including BCL and Jubo League members.
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Among the victims was Abu Sayeed, a student of Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur, who was fatally shot by police. Footage of his final moments went viral, becoming a lightning rod for the growing outrage.
And thus, on 17 July, tensions continued to simmer. Dhaka and several other districts witnessed pitched street battles, blockades, and massive student processions. At Dhaka University, a symbolic "coffin procession" was blocked by police, triggering chaotic chase-and-counter-chase scenes around the campus.
In response to the unrest, university administrations issued urgent notices instructing students to vacate residential halls. While some complied amid increasing police pressure, many others stayed back, refusing to yield.
The day ended with a long-awaited address from the then prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who spoke to the nation at 7:30pm — her first remarks since the killings. In an eight-minute televised speech, she offered condolences and attempted to calm public fury.
She urged the protesting students to place their trust in the country's judicial system, expressing hope that justice would prevail. She also announced a judicial investigation into the killings and called on students to wait for the verdict from the High Court.
She also said that she believed those involved in the quota reform protests were not connected to criminal activities, but rather, "criminals are infiltrating the protest and creating conflict and anarchy."
Emphasising accountability, she remarked, "Those involved in such incidents will be identified and punished appropriately. I will provide whatever support is needed for the victims' families."
"I am unequivocally declaring that measures will be taken against those who have carried out the killings, looting and criminal activities, no matter who they are. They will be punished," she added.
