Govt responds to concerns of int’l community

Acknowledging the concerns raised by international partners and organisations regarding recent violence and terrorist activities in Bangladesh, the government on Sunday in a handout assured the international community that the situation is stabilising due to timely actions taken.

The human toll from the violence is being assessed, with the government reaching out to affected families and ensuring justice and rehabilitation. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is personally overseeing the treatment and support for the injured and the families of the deceased, said a government handout on Sunday.

The government asserted that the peaceful student movement was distinct from the terrorist acts perpetrated by the BNP-Jamaat combine.

It also said all acts of violence will be investigated impartially, with justice pursued regardless of affiliations.

The handout outright rejected issuance of any no 'shoot-at-sight' orders by security forces and clarified that no firing occurred from helicopters; their use was limited to surveillance and emergency operations. It also said an Armoured Personnel Carrier with a UN insignia was quickly removed from service; other reports lack evidence.

Internet connectivity has been restored, and other communications remained functional during the unrest, the handout read adding that media operations continued throughout, with exemptions during curfew hours, upholding freedom of expression.

In the handout, the government attributes the violence to a vested group led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, who allegedly hijacked the peaceful Quota Reform movement for their agenda. 

These groups, along with extremist organisations, aimed to disrupt public life and destabilise the economy. The government urges the international community to distinguish between the original student protests and the subsequent terrorist activities that necessitated security measures, including armed forces deployment and curfews.

The quota reform movement began peacefully in response to a High Court judgment reinstating the public service quota system. The government, aligning with the students' demands, appealed the judgment and engaged in dialogue with the student leaders. A revised quota system, addressing the students' concerns, was issued on 23 July 2024.

Despite assurances from the Prime Minister, the BNP-Jamaat instigated unrest and violence among some students. This resulted in severe violence, anarchy, and the tragic loss of civilian lives. The violence included attacks on key public installations and properties, including metro rail stations, health facilities, and the national data centre, added the handout.

The government is committed to holding those responsible accountable through thorough investigations. An inquiry commission, led by a High Court judge, is already operational, and departmental inquiries are ongoing, the handout read adding that the government ensures that justice will be served through due process, without reprisal against innocent civilians or peaceful protesters.

In light of ongoing misinformation, the government clarifies several points for the international community:

The government remains committed to working with the public to recover from the losses and engage constructively with international partners to build a peaceful, inclusive society where youth can safely express themselves and achieve their potential.