2024 Bangladesh Non-Cooperation Movement - All You Need to Know
The 2024 Bangladesh Non-Cooperation Movement or Quota Reform Movement, was a series of anti-government and pro-democracy protests, initiated by university students to demand a reform in the quota-based system for government job recruitment. Join us as we look back and explore the events that took place during the month of July.
What was the 2024 Bangladesh Non-Cooperation Movement?
In July of 2024, the Bangladesh Government, administered by Sheikh Hasina of the Bangladesh Awami League democratic party, declared a reinstitution of a heavily marginalized quota system for Government Jobs. “Quota” in Government jobs refers to have a set number of jobs reserved for those who meet some special conditions set by the government. The non cooperation movement started primarily due to the controversial reinstatement of the quota system which raged students as they found it Many students and young people felt that this system was unfair and discriminatory. The protests started with students criticizing the unfair system and demanding a more fair structure prioritizing intellect rather than birth rights. The system was perceived to be not prioritizing merit and talent and filled with allegations of corruption and nepotism. In a month, the movement managed to strip power away from a party that had been ruling for almost 16 years and the fall of a government.
The Start - Looking Back at 2018
Originally the movement began in 2018 where massive protests broke out when students at public universities countrywide demanded a reform to the quota system. In 2018, the government tried to instill a very biased form of quota to government jobs which had led to many students taking to the streets. There was a 56% quota system, 1% for the Physically Challenged, 5% for Minorities, 10% for Women, 10% for People from Backward Districts and an astounding 30% for Descendants of Freedom Fighters. Only 44% were left for those who got in through intellect. Clash ensued between general students and the student wing of Awami League called “Bangladesh Chatra (Student) League (BCL)”. Although playing an important role in the Bengali Language Movement of 1952, BCL has been repeatedly accused of using torture, extortion, violence, and killings to instill fear, they did not hesitate to use brutal force which led to many injuries and deaths as well. Many were picked up by the BCL and are yet to be found. The official number of deaths and missings are yet to be disclosed. The government was forced to abolish the system for certain government job positions, which led to a more fair ground in the upcoming exams for government jobs.
Reinstating Quotas - Cradling the Diminishing Fire
In June of 2024, the government had decided to reinstate the quota system again, proclaiming the decision was only delayed in 2018. Protests broke out again. The protests in the beginning of the 2024 Bangladesh quota reform movement were largely peaceful, utilizing methods such as chanting slogans, holding banners, and organizing marches. Students shut off a major intersection of Dhaka city called Shahbagh and said they will stand there till the government changes its decision. They demanded fairer playing grounds for everyone and for the quota to be lowered to 5%.
“Razakars” - The Fuel to the Fire
As the movement gained momentum, the government responded with increasingly repressive measures/the protests became more confrontational. In an interview on 14th July with the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, a reporter had asked her to clarify how the quota system works for the students and in her reply she made a statement. “If the grandchildren of Freedom Fighters are not getting the benefits then will the grandchildren of Razakars get the benefits?”
Razakars – A paramilitary force formed during the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971, that were against the movement for an independent Bangladesh. The term, in recent, is used in a derogatory sense to describe ‘traitors’
This statement caused the situation to deteriorate.
“We are Razakars” - The Water Boils
“The remarks sparked a wave of discussion on social media. The students, astonished at the statement, started claiming themselves to be Razakars. A common slogan started popularising, “‘Who are you? Who am I? A Razakar, a Razakar! Who has said it? Who has said it? The Autocrat, the Autocrat!” Protests erupted as more students joined the streets demanding a fairer distribution of the quota system. Students of privately owned educational institutions marched on the streets as well. The initial focus on government job reform evolved into a broader movement against authoritarian rule.
On 15th of July, the peaceful protesters were met with BCL members armed with sticks and firearms. With the help of the police they created mass violence in an attempt to suppress the protestors.
16th July - Bloodshed
The protestors were not backing down. Even more students took the streets and were met with armed BCL members and police. Many stood tall against the violence putting their lives on the line, clashes between protesters and security forces, resulted in numerous casualties
The police and BCL opened fire, killing people to ensue fear amongst the people. Key instances of violence included the use of live ammunition, excessive force (such as tear gas, water cannons, and batons) against peaceful demonstrators, targeted violence, and multiple human rights abuses. Despite the tragic loss of life, the movement witnessed several acts of remarkable courage and sacrifice. Abu Sayed, a student of Begum Rokeya university, stood tall, alone, as police threw rocks and shot him with rubber bullets with his chest open; an indication and invitation that the protestors won’t back down. A rubber bullet to his heart took his life and he was pronounced dead on arrival at a hospital. Mir Mugdho, a student of Bangladesh University of Professionals, was on the streets providing water and snacks for the protestors. The sound of his voice, calling out ‘Does anyone need water?’ amid the chaos, is etched into every protester’s mind. A fatal bullet ended his life abruptly. Multiple lives were lost on that day. The protests grew fiercer as people demanded justice for the dead.
18th July - Internet Blackout
The 2024 quota reform movement in Bangladesh was marked by a significant turning point: The imposition of a nationwide internet blackout, allegedly implemented by the government as a necessary measure to maintain law and order and prevent further violence. However, critics argued that the blackout was a deliberate attempt to suppress the movement. This severely hindered communication among protesters, making it difficult to organize and coordinate activities. The blackout also limited access to information, preventing protesters from sharing news, updates, and strategies. Moreover, it cut off the movement from international attention, making it harder to gather
Despite the internet blackout, protests continued unabated. However, the challenging circumstances led to a surge in casualties. The police, facing mounting pressure, switched from rubber bullets to lead bullets, resulting in a significant increase in fatalities. Stray bullets struck innocent civilians in their homes, adding to the growing death toll.
The government, faced with immense pressure, decided to reform the quota system. On 21st July they proposed a new system dropping the quota from 56% to only 7%, 5% was reserved for the family of Freedom Fighters, 1% for Minorities and 1% for Third Gender and people with Disabilities. The government’s decision to address the students’ demands was an attempt to de-escalate the situation however, the protesters deemed these measures inadequate after the significant loss of lives.
The Internet Shut Down lasted for 5 days, after which it was restored in a limited capacity where only broadbands were allowed to operate but mobile data was not.

Non-Cooperation Movement - The Pot Boils Over
The demands had changed. The students had a new 9 point demand that included but was not limited to the dismissal of Sheikh Hasina’s cabinet, Justice for the martyrs and A Public Apology by Sheikh Hasina. Chaos ran rampant, the government did not want to back down. The police kept harassing in the streets and even a curfew was set in place.
Protests intensified, leading to widespread unrest. The government resisted calls for de-escalation, and police continued to harass civilians both during the day and at night. A curfew was imposed, limiting movement and restricting freedom.
The police adopted a new strategy, targeting students both on the streets and in their homes. Random arrests were carried out, even of minors. A climate of fear was created to discourage further participation, with parents urged to keep their children indoors.
Concerned citizens, including teachers, lawyers, and ordinary individuals, joined the protests in response to the ongoing harassment. The internet blackout had drawn international attention, with calls for accountability and transparency. Pressure continued to mount on the governing bodies.
On 29th July the government declared that nationwide mourning would be observed on 30th July to honor those killed during the quota reform movement. While many government leaders opted to change their social media profile pictures to black to express their mourning. However, many users chose to change their profile pictures to red, rejecting the official mourning as a farce. It was a way for people to show their solidarity with the protesters and to raise awareness about the issues at hand. On 31st July, the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement organized a nationwide protest named “March for Justice” in response to the series of killings, mass arrests, attacks, lawsuits, enforced disappearances, and murders of students and citizens. The march would take place from all parts of Bangladesh to the Courts. The Chattogram court was filled with people but the march taking place in Dhaka was halted by the police and mass arrests took place.
One-Point Demand - The Fall of a Regime
As a last resort to quell the protests, Sheikh Hasina proposed peaceful talks with the protesters, stating that her office was open and expressing a desire to “sit with the quota protesters and listen to them.” However, central coordinator Nahid Islam announced that the protesters had no plans to negotiate with the government. He added that they had endured torture while in police custody and had resorted to a hunger strike while detained by police and the Detective Branch. Asif Mahmud, another coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, stated, “There is no dialogue with bullets and terrorism.”
Nearing the end of the month-long protests, it was reported that the movement saw 300 casualties although, it is speculated that the death toll may have exceeded 1,300, and many bodies remain unaccounted for. On August 3rd, the Students declared a “One-Point Demand” – The Resignation of Sheikh Hasina and her cabinet. They announced a “Long March to Dhaka” on August 5th, inviting people from all over Bangladesh to come to the capital to join the protests. Facing immense pressure and non-cooperation from the army, Sheikh Hasina was forced to resign and given a safe exit from the country.
What’s Next?
In the wake of Sheikh Hasina’s resignation, an interim government led by Nobel Laureate Dr. Mohammad Yunus, was formed on 8th August 2024. Following the dissolution of the 12th Jatiya Sangsad on 6th August, the interim cabinet will remain in office until a new prime minister takes over after a rapid general election.
The 2024 quota reform movement had a significant impact on Bangladesh’s social and political landscape. It raised awareness about the issue of discrimination and inequality, and led to important changes in government policies. Overall, the movement was a complex and multifaceted struggle that resulted in some progress but also left room for further debate and action.
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