11 July 2024: Riot vehicles, water cannons hit the streets as police crack down on protesters

Thousands of students and jobseekers defied police warnings and government appeals yesterday as they continued their "Bangla Blockade" protests, demanding reforms to the quota system in government jobs. 

The four-hour blockade sparked clashes in several districts, leaving at least 20 students injured in Cumilla and Chattogram.

Protesters, mostly from public universities and colleges, are calling for a 5% quota for underprivileged groups and have vowed to continue their movement with fresh rallies at educational institutions nationwide at 4:00pm on July 12.

In Dhaka, a large procession broke through police barricades and occupied Shahbagh intersection around 5:00pm. Law enforcers blocked their advance near Birdem Hospital, but students held their ground, chanting slogans against the authorities. 

Groups from Dhaka College, Eden Mohila College, and Jagannath University joined in, with some forcing their way out of locked campuses.

In Cumilla, police baton-charged protesters near Ansar Camp after anti-police slogans were chanted. Students responded by throwing bricks. Tear gas was later used to disperse the crowd, injuring at least 10 people, including two campus journalists.

Clashes also broke out in Chattogram's Tigerpass and Gate No-2 areas, where five students were hurt. Protesters blocked the road there until evening.

Law enforcement presence was visibly increased in Dhaka. Riot cars and water cannons were deployed at key locations. Police warned of legal action if road blockades continued.

In this regard, Hasnat Abdullah, a key coordinator of the movement, said, "The partial verdict of the High Court has made one thing clear—it stated that the government has the authority to reform the quota system. If that is the case, why were students baton-charged at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University? Why were there attacks at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology? Why were female students assaulted by female police officers at Chattogram University? There were attacks at Cumilla University, threats issued at Rajshahi University, and violence at Mymensingh Agricultural University and others.

"Those responsible were overzealous and must be brought to justice. We believe this has tarnished the image of the government. You had urged us to trust the court. Now that the court has entrusted the responsibility to you, fulfil it," he also added.

However, Dhaka Metropolitan Police Additional Commissioner Khandkar Muhid Uddin said, "There is no scope for anti-quota protesters to take to the streets after the Appellate Division stayed the High Court verdict on freedom fighter quotas. We are requesting students not to announce any further programmes for at least four weeks. If they cause public suffering in the name of the movement, the police will take action as per rules."

Public Administration State Minister Farhad Hossain said, "People who do not want betterment of the country are instigating the anti-quota protest. There is nothing to hold protests about. Students can come to the court if they have something to say. The government wants the quota issue to be resolved smoothly."

Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal extended full support to the movement. "We gave moral support to the quota reform movement in 2018. We are supporting the movement that is happening now," said JCD General Secretary Nasiruddin Nasir.

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said the students were "crossing the line" and should act responsibly. Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader and Chhatra League President Saddam Hossain echoed similar concerns.

The University Grants Commission urged vice-chancellors to take steps to restore academic activities and bring students back to classrooms.