At least 19 people were killed as the country reeled from the second day of mass protests amid a nationwide curfew. Streets turned into battlegrounds while the internet remained blacked out for the third day, and the nation endured its fourth day of total shutdown.
The Appellate Division overturned the HC verdict on the quota
The Appellate Division of the Bangladesh Supreme Court overturned the High Court's June 5 decision that found the 2018 government circular illegal, cancelling quotas in first and second-class government jobs.
The new order redefined the quota policy to 93% on merit, 5% for freedom fighters' children and grandchildren, 1% for ethnic groups, and 1% for people with disability and the third gender.
However, the court also authorised the government to adjust quota percentages if needed and directed the issuance of a formal gazette.
Clashes intensified
Clashes continued across the capital. More than a few roads were blocked in multiple areas. Protesters stayed in Jatrabari and Shanir Akhra through the afternoon, where several were shot dead by police.
In Madhabdi, Narsingdi, when people had violated curfew and blocked the Dhaka-Sylhet highway, at least three people were killed.
Violence flared across Narayanganj, and at least five deaths were reported.
Nahid was found after abduction
Nahid Islam – a key coordinator of the student movement who had been abducted by a few people claiming to be the Detective Branch (DB) on July 19 – was found.
He said he was picked up and tortured with iron rods. He once completely passed out, and when he came to his senses, he found himself lying beside a road near the Purbachal Jolshiri Project area.
He also sustained injuries and was treated at Gonoshasthaya Kendra Hospital in Dhanmondi.
Nation under lockdown
The curfew remained in effect. All government, autonomous & private institutions, banks, financial institutions, garment factories and other industrial establishments were closed under the general holiday order.
The then chief of the three armed forces met with the then prime minister to discuss the prevailing security situation.
48-hour ultimatum
Three key coordinators of the student movement – Hasnat Abdullah, Sarjis Alam and Mahin Sarkar – issued a 48-hour ultimatum for four-point "emergency" demands, including restoration of internet connectivity, the safe passage of students with the reopening of student dormitories, guarantee of security for all the co-coordinators of movements, and lifting of the nationwide curfew.
Joint statement by coordinators
On the same day, 56 coordinators of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement also issued a joint statement to the media through a mobile message urging the escalation of the ongoing complete shutdown.
The statement held the then-government accountable for the killings, stating that the court verdict could not absolve its responsibilities.
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