A total of 326 individuals lost their lives during the period of 4 to August 6th as a result of the widespread unrest and the demand for the government's resignation. The victims encompass a wide range of individuals, including leaders, activists, supporters of Awami League, police officers, students, as well as leaders and activists of BNP.
According to an analysis, a significant number of these victims lost their lives in incidents involving attacks and firing by individuals affiliated with the Awami League, as well as shootings by the police and instances of police officers being lynched. Protesters were responsible for numerous attacks and acts of arson, resulting in casualties in many cases.
During the period from July 16th to August 6th, a total of 542 deaths were reported in connection with the quota reform movement and the subsequent protests. Between July 16th and August 3rd, a total of 216 deaths were reported, with an additional 326 deaths occurring between 4-6 August.
On August 5th, Sheikh Hasina decided to step down as prime minister and departed for India amidst a wave of student protests. On August 8th, a new interim government led by Nobel Laureate Dr Mohammad Yunus assumed power.
Between the 4th and 6th of August, a tragic incident occurred, resulting in the loss of at least 87 leaders and activists from the Awami League, Jubo League, Swecchasebak League, and Chhatra League. Out of the victims, 36 were police officers, with one each from BGB, RAB, and Ansar. In a recent statement, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Moinul Islam revealed a concerning statistic: 42 policemen lost their lives within three weeks, from July 16th to August 6th. According to his information, two of the 42 individuals were assigned to the RAB.
Between the dates of August 4th and 6th, a tragic incident occurred, resulting in the loss of several lives, including several students. The individuals hailed from various universities and colleges. During this period, a tragic loss was suffered as at least 12 leaders, activists, and supporters of BNP and its associate organizations passed away.
Brigadier General (retd) M Sakhawat Hossain, while visiting Rajarbagh central police hospital to check on the injured cops, informed reporters that there have been numerous fatalities resulting from police shootings and other incidents. Police officers faced a significant amount of attacks as well.
According to his statement, individuals who utilize law enforcement will be held accountable, while those who authorized the use of force against civilians will be subjected to severe consequences.
At a massive gathering held at central Shaheed Minar on August 3rd, Students Against Discrimination made a significant announcement regarding the government's resignation. In addition, they declared a non-cooperation movement to start on August 4th. In contrast, the Awami League decided to send its leaders and activists to the streets on the very same day. At the time, the ruling party decided to organize gatherings in various wards of Dhaka city and other districts.
On August 4th, there were reports of Awami League leaders engaging in acts of violence, using firearms and local weapons, against the protesters in Dhaka and other areas. However, their grip on power was short-lived, as the sheer scale of the protests proved insurmountable. On that day, the level of police activity seemed to be less than usual despite their presence alongside members of the Awami League in specific locations. On that day, a tragic incident unfolded as protesters lost their lives in a series of shootings. In a grim turn of events, members of the Awami League also faced retaliatory attacks, resulting in fatalities.
As of August 4th, a staggering 111 deaths have been reported nationwide. Out of the total, 27 individuals were affiliated with the Awami League party. During a rally in Madhabdi, Narsingdi, a disturbing incident occurred as unidentified individuals shot at protesters. A group of protesters pursued and ultimately attacked several individuals associated with the Awami League, resulting in the tragic death of six individuals, including Delowar Hossain, the chairman of Chardighaldi Union parishad.
Following Sheikh Hasina's departure from the country on the afternoon of August 5th, several Awami League leaders and activists fell victim to violent attacks, destroying their homes. On the following day, the violence persisted, resulting in numerous casualties.
In a shocking incident on the evening of August 5th, the residence of Zakir Hossain, the president of Pratapnagar Union Awami League in Satkhira's Ashashuni upazila, was targeted in an attack. According to eyewitnesses, Zakir allegedly fired the fatal shots that resulted in the deaths of two assailants. Later, a group of individuals violently attacked and killed six people, including Zakir and his brother Jahangir.
Selim Khan, the chairman of Lokkhipur Union Parishad in Chandpur, along with his son Shanto Khan, tragically lost their lives on August 5th. They were accused of illegally extracting sand from the Meghna River. Tragic news struck as a fire engulfed the residence of former Barishal mayor Sadiq Abdullah, resulting in the loss of three lives. It was later discovered that two individuals involved were members of the Jubo League.
On August 5th, a staggering 108 deaths were reported. Out of the total, 49 individuals belonged to the Awami League. On August 6th, a tragic incident occurred, resulting in the loss of 107 lives, including 11 individuals affiliated with the Awami League.
Upon analyzing the victims, it was found that a significant number of individuals from the Awami League who lost their lives had been accused of engaging in 'excesses' and assaulting their opponents within their communities. Several individuals faced allegations of engaging in criminal activities, including accusations of committing crimes, usurping power, engaging in extortion, and participating in drug trade. Several individuals met their demise due to the consequences of their actions.
According to reports, the houses and businesses of Awami League leaders were reportedly targeted in a series of attacks. Religious minorities faced brutal attacks, and the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi 32 was set ablaze, marking a dark chapter in history.
MA Mannan emphasized the urgent need to end the culture of political killing. It is crucial to thoroughly investigate every incident and ensure that appropriate punishment is administered.
According to reports, several individuals associated with the BNP and its affiliated groups lost their lives during violent confrontations with the Awami League and law enforcement officials between the 4th and 6th of August. Among the individuals involved, two were Chhatra Dal's leaders, one was Jubo Dal's leader, and the rest were activists. There were no casualties among BNP members in Dhaka. The victims hail from Pabna, Rajshahi, Satkhira, Magura, and Sirajganj.
From August 4th to August 6th, a tragic toll of 36 police officers lost their lives throughout the nation. Simultaneously, one member from BGB, RAB, and Ansar lost their lives.
In a tragic turn of events, the bodies of 15 police officers arrived at Dhaka Medical College Hospital on 6 and 7 August. Among them were BGB, RAB, and Ansar members, hailing from Jatrabari and Uttara areas. Out of the total, 16 individuals were subjected to physical assault, while tragically, two lost their lives due to gun violence. There were instances of severe bodily mutilation.
On that particular day, an additional 31 bodies were discovered in Jatrabari. The individuals were tragically killed by gunfire. According to local witnesses, many students and citizens took to the streets in the Jatrabari area on the day Sheikh Hasina fell from power on August 5th, staging large-scale demonstrations. Police were accused of shooting and killing individuals, with the attackers directing their aggression towards them. Many protesters lost their lives as the police opened fire without discrimination. However, the police were ultimately unable to save themselves. An attack was carried out on the police station. Tragic violence unfolded as law enforcement officers lost their lives and a police station became engulfed in flames.
Fifteen police officers lost their lives in a devastating incident at Enayetpur police station in Sirajganj, where the station itself was set ablaze. In a tragic incident on August 5th, a violent mob seized sub-inspector Santosh Das Chowdhury from the police and mercilessly attacked him, resulting in his untimely demise. Tragically, six lives were lost as a result of police shootings on that fateful day.
Upon examining the incidents, it becomes evident that law enforcement officers were targeted following a significant number of casualties that occurred during a protest involving students and the general public. According to analysts, the politicization of the police force and the ambitions of certain officials have been identified as factors contributing to the challenges faced by ordinary policemen.
Upon analyzing the data surrounding the deaths of 175 individuals out of the total 212 casualties in July, a striking 78 percent of them were found to have suffered fatal bullet wounds. All of the victims, a total of 175, were students. It has been discovered that six individuals have direct political affiliations. Among them, three are associated with the Awami League, two with the BNP, and one with Chhatra Shibir. Among the 175 individuals were three police officers and one Ansar member. The majority of the remaining individuals fall into the low-income bracket.
According to political analysts, the number of deaths resulting from conflict and violence in Bangladesh is unprecedented, except for the Liberation War in 1971. The significant increase in the death toll can be attributed to the alleged manipulation of the police force for political purposes, as well as the reported efforts to retain power at any cost, even at the expense of innocent lives. Furthermore, there seems to be a reluctance to transfer energy, exacerbating the situation peacefully.
According to former professor Al Masud Hasanuzzaman of Jahangirnagar University's government and politics department, the significant amount of bloodshed can be attributed to the law enforcers' firm approach resulting from their orders to suppress the protest. In addition, the Awami League and its affiliated organizations also took to the streets to quell the protest. After their failure, they faced a retaliatory attack in response to the public's anger. With Sheikh Hasina's departure from the country and the subsequent downfall of the Awami League government, the activists found themselves unable to mount any form of resistance.
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