July 16, 2024: A Blood-Stained Day in History as 6 Martyrs, Including Abu Saeed and Wasim, Fall
Dhaka, July 16, 2024 – July marks the beginning of a dark and bloody chapter in the nation’s history, as last year on this day (July 16), police and Chhatra League attacks on students across the country left six dead and hundreds injured. On this day, Chhatra League members directly opened fire on protesting students.
The events of July 16 last year ignited a wave of public outrage, as the blood of six martyrs—including Abu Saeed and Wasim—stained the streets of an independent nation. A country that had once shed blood for its freedom could not accept the brutality unleashed upon those demanding justice. The people—women, children, laborers, and citizens from all walks of life—were forced to rise in protest.
Nationwide Protests and Violence
On Tuesday, July 16, 2024, tensions ran high in educational institutions across the country following the previous day’s attacks. A group of 114 eminent citizens issued statements condemning the violence against quota reform protesters and demanding accountability.
Amid this unrest, widespread protests and clashes erupted nationwide. Police fired tear gas, rubber bullets, and shotgun pellets at demonstrators. In Dhaka, students gathered near Science Lab in protest of Chhatra League’s attacks. Around 2 PM, Chhatra League members assaulted the protesters. Later, at around 5:30 PM, gunshots were fired at demonstrators in the same area.
Casualties Across the Country
Six people were killed in the day’s violence, including three in Chattogram (one of them a pedestrian), two in Dhaka, and one in Rangpur. Hundreds were injured in the brutal crackdown:
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Jagannath University (JnU): 4 injured by gunfire
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Chattogram: 60 injured
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Rangpur: Over 50 injured
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Comilla University: 1 injured
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Bogura: 1 injured
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Faridpur: 5 injured
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Barishal: 25 injured
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Sirajganj: 20 injured
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Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science & Technology University (HSTU): 30 injured
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Thakurgaon: 50 injured
Political Reactions and Further Protests
Amid the chaos, Chhatra League President Saddam Hossain stated, “Movements will come and go, but Chhatra League will remain.”
Undeterred by the bloodshed, protesters announced new programs, including a symbolic funeral prayer (Gayebana Janaza) and a coffin procession the following day to honor the fallen. The BNP also announced plans to hold a symbolic funeral prayer.
Government Shuts Down Educational Institutions
Late at night, the University Grants Commission (UGC) issued an order shutting down all universities and evacuating dormitories. The Ministry of Education followed suit, suspending classes in all schools and colleges nationwide and postponing HSC examinations.
As the nation mourns, July 16 stands as a grim reminder of the cost of dissent—a day when the streets ran red with the blood of those who dared to demand justice.
