In July 2024, Bangladesh experienced a violent crackdown on student-led protests against the reinstated public-sector job quota system. The unrest escalated when former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina reportedly ordered the use of lethal force against demonstrators, including deploying military helicopters to suppress the protests. This directive led to widespread violence, with security forces and affiliated groups employing excessive force, resulting in numerous casualties. Among the victims were children aged 4 to 11, whose deaths fueled nationwide outrage. UNICEF confirmed that at least 32 children were among the victims, and the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) reported over 1,400 deaths and more than 20,000 injuries.
Opposition groups and human rights organizations condemned the actions as a "crime against humanity," while international observers raised concerns about violations of international law. Despite growing criticism, government officials remained silent, and mass protests continued across the country, calling for accountability and justice for the victims. The government's response included imposing curfews, shutting down internet services, and restricting media coverage, hindering accurate reporting of the events. The tragic incident has since been referred to as the "July Massacre," marking a dark chapter in Bangladesh's history.
