On August 4, 2024, Bangladesh was plunged into one of the most violent and decisive days in its recent history. The country, already on the edge from weeks of unrest, saw at least 93 people killed in a single day as clashes between anti-government protesters, ruling party supporters, and police forces erupted across the nation.
It was the first day of a 15-point student-led non-cooperation movement, demanding the resignation of prime minister Sheikh Hasina. But what started as a peaceful mobilisation quickly descended into chaos. By day's end, cities burned, curfews were imposed, the internet was shut down, and the momentum of the anti-discrimination movement was irrevocably changed.
An escalation sparked by violence
The original plan, according to the movement's student leaders, was to stage a 'March to Dhaka' on August 6. But a violent crackdown by police and ruling Awami League activists on August 4 prompted a sudden shift in strategy.
Speaking to thousands gathered at Shahbagh that afternoon, Nahid Islam, a key coordinator of the protest and now head of the National Coordination Platform (NCP), declared the march would be held a day earlier, on August 5. "Our objectives, goals, and destination are clear. Victory alone is our goal," he said, accusing the government of inciting civil war. "Form resistance wherever we are attacked."
Nahid, a former adviser to the current interim government, rallied crowds with calls to continue sit-ins and organise local resistance groups in every neighbourhood, alley, and village.
A capital under siege
The capital, Dhaka, bore the brunt of the unrest. The day began under an uneasy calm but quickly turned into a battleground as supporters of the Awami League, some allegedly armed, moved to confront protesters in areas like Shahbagh, Mirpur-10, Jatrabari, and Dhanmondi. At least 12 people were killed in Dhaka alone, and most were brought dead to Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
Around 6pm, a grim procession marched from DMCH carrying the bodies of slain protesters. Chants of "Amar Bhai Morlo Keno, Sheikh Hasina Jobab Chai" (Why did my brother die? Hasina must answer) echoed through the streets.
But as the procession neared Shahbagh Police Station, police fired stun grenades and teargas, claiming the crowd had turned violent. Clashes intensified, with reports of vehicles torched, hospitals overwhelmed, and police stations attacked.
Nationwide clashes, mounting toll
Violence wasn't limited to Dhaka. Cities and towns across 20 districts, including Lakshmipur, Feni, Rangpur, Bogura, and Sylhet, reported deadly confrontations. Outside Dhaka, over 80 people were killed, bringing the day's total death toll to at least 93, as confirmed by *The Daily Star and New Age.
More than 1,000 others were injured, with 172 cases reported from Chattogram alone. Witnesses described "three-way clashes" among protesters, ruling party supporters, and police, with some alleging the use of live ammunition by government forces.
Despite the imposition of a sweeping curfew from 6 p.m., demonstrations continued into the night in Chattogram, Khulna, Sylhet, and Rajshahi. The government declared a three-day public holiday starting August 5, likely to suppress further mobilisation.
A call for interim governance
As violence escalated, civic and academic voices began presenting alternatives. The Bangladesh University Teachers Network proposed a civilian-led interim government, composed of teachers, judges, lawyers, and civil society representatives. Professor Anu Muhammad, a former Jahangirnagar University professor, presented the proposal, stating that the students themselves should have a role in electing the interim body.
Meanwhile, the High Court dismissed a writ petition calling for a ban on live fire against protesters, ruling that law enforcement may use force "if necessary."
International and civic condemnation
Human rights watchdog Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) issued a rare and strong statement condemning what it called an "unlawful and disproportionate" use of lethal force. TIB criticised the government for pushing a peaceful, apolitical student movement into confrontation and demanded accountability from those who authorised the crackdown.
A movement reshaped by martyrdom
The events of August 4 marked a significant turning point in Bangladesh's political crisis. What began as a student-led protest against discrimination and inequality evolved into a mass civil uprising calling for regime change. According to New Age, the cumulative death toll of the quota reform movement from July 16 to August 4 reached 311.
Yet, despite bloodshed, the movement did not dissolve. The following day's 'March to Dhaka' brought an even larger wave of demonstrators into the city. Within days, the international community began issuing statements, and pressure mounted for political resolution.
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