On July 11 last year, violent clashes broke out across Bangladesh as police confronted students protesting for quota reform in government jobs. In Dhaka, Cumilla, Chattogram, and several other cities, police used batons, tear gas, and blank shots to disperse demonstrators who defied barricades and blocked key roads and highways. At least 50 protesters were injured in the nationwide crackdown.
The protests, led by students from public universities and colleges along with jobseekers, had been ongoing since July 1. Protesters blocked major roads, highways, and railways, ignoring the government’s call to return to classes, stating they would wait for the Appellate Division’s verdict on the quota issue.
In Dhaka, protests began at 3:30pm after a rain delay. Dhaka University students gathered at Shahbagh, chanting slogans such as “Police Diye Andolon Bondho Kora Jabena” and “Quota Na Medha, Medha Medha.” Despite police warnings and barricades, students broke through and took position under the Shahbagh Metro Station.
Similar scenes unfolded nationwide. At Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, police baton-charged students, injuring at least 10. At Jagannath University, students broke open a locked gate to join the protests. Jahangirnagar University students blocked a highway for three hours.
In Cumilla, clashes near Cumilla University left at least 13 injured. In Chattogram, seven students were injured as police attempted to disperse protesters, who later regrouped to block roads. Police action also took place in Sylhet, where five students from Shahjalal University were injured while trying to block a highway.
Students from other institutions—Rajshahi University, Barishal University, Islamic University, Khulna University, Jashore University, Gopalganj Science & Technology University, and Pabna Government Edward College—blocked major roads and railway lines.
Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader and Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal accused the protesters of turning the movement into an anti-government campaign. The University Grants Commission (UGC) urged university authorities to bring students back to class, while Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) leaders claimed the movement was politically motivated.
On the same day, the High Court published its verdict declaring the 2018 government circular abolishing quotas illegal, stating that only the government has the authority to reform the quota system.
Despite this, students vowed to continue protests until a law is passed in parliament ensuring quota reform, including a 5% reservation for underprivileged communities. Nahid Islam, a key organiser, announced further rallies and processions at all educational institutions at 4pm on July 12.