Bangladesh police arrested one of the country’s most senior opposition party leaders, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi Ahmed, on Friday in Dhaka following days of unrest and protests. Ahmed, a leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is facing hundreds of charges, as reported by LBC. This arrest comes amid a volatile atmosphere where student protestors stormed a prison, freeing hundreds of prisoners and setting it on fire after police failed to contain the unrest. In response, Bangladesh police issued a ban on public gatherings to quell the protests.
The protests are fueled by demands to abolish a quota system that reserves up to 30 percent of government jobs for family members of veterans of Bangladesh’s 1971 war of independence from Pakistan. The protestors argue this system is discriminatory and benefits supporters of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League party. They are advocating for a merit-based system instead, as noted by Associated Press.
At least 75 people have been killed in the recent protests, 28 of which occurred during the protests on Friday. Protestors accuse the government of these killings and demand the immediate resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk expressed deep concern over the violence, stating that the attacks on students are “shocking and unacceptable.” He urged the government to ensure the protection of students participating in peaceful protests and to guarantee their right to freedom of assembly and expression without fear of reprisal. His statement can be found here.
In an effort to stem the protests, authorities have shut down schools, universities, public transportation, and internet services. The Bangladesh police website has also been hacked by a group identifying themselves as the “Resistance,” which has further escalated tensions. Accessing the website now displays a message declaring, “It’s not a protest anymore. It’s a war now,” along with a call to action condemning government violence and framing the movement as a fight for justice and freedom.
Tarique Rahman, acting Chairman of the BNP, has also commented on the situation on X, formerly Twitter, criticizing the government’s crackdown and the arrest of BNP members, including Ruhul Kabir Rizvi Ahmed. His post underscores the ongoing conflict and the determination of protestors to continue their fight for reform despite government restrictions.
The complete story can be followed on JURIST.