Bangladesh: Violent student protest in Dhaka July 20

Event

Over a thousand students from seven colleges belonging to Dhaka University protested in the capital’s Shahbagh neighborhood on Thursday, July 20, for the release of their examination schedule. Security forces intervened when protesters began blocking traffic at Shahbagh Square; clashes between security forces and protesters ensued as police resorted to batons and tear gas shells to disperse the crowds.

Context

With just 96 police personnel per 100,000 citizens, Bangladesh ranks among the ten countries with the lowest police presence. The feeble force handles everything from law enforcement to human trafficking, narcotics trading, road traffic, and security. Police forces tend to be deployed mostly in Dhaka, Chittagong, and Sylhet, where protests often turn violent and traffic gets suspended due to road blocks erected by protesters.

Advice

Individuals present in Dhaka are advised to avoid all demonstrations and political gatherings due to the possibility of violence. Adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.