Bangladesh to mourn violence victims Tuesday

The government has declared a daylong mourning on Tuesday to honour the memory of those killed during the recent widespread violence surrounding the student movement for quota reform.

The decision was made during a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday, a minister who attended the meeting told Jago News.

The violence, which erupted in response to the quota reform movement, has resulted in significant loss of life and damage to public property. Home Minister Asaduzzman Khan on Sundayconfirmed death of 147 people.

Later, during a press briefing on the cabinet meeting at the Cabinet Division, Cabinet Secretary M. Mahbub Hossain said the home minister presented a report on the situation arising from the anti-quota movement. Other ministers also provided detailed information. Based on these reviews, the cabinet took two key decisions.

"The cabinet accepted a condolence proposal for those killed in the violence centring the quota movement," Mahbub said. "That proposal has been formally adopted. Additionally, there will be nationwide mourning tomorrow. As part of that mourning, black badges will be worn, and prayers will be offered in mosques, temples, churches, and pagodas."

When asked about the number of people killed, the Home Minister mentioned that the Cabinet Secretary reported 147 deaths one Sunday, with three more added today, bringing the total to 150. However, media reports have suggested that over two hundred people have been killed in the violence surrounding the quota reform movement.