By D. Maan, Jadetimes News
Unicef Reports Dozens of Children Killed in Bangladesh Protests
Introduction
The United Nations Children's Fund has said that at least 32 children were killed during student protests that rocked Bangladesh last month. The youngest was below five years. According to Unicef, most of those who lost their lives were mere onlookers.
Protests Against Job Quotas Turn Deadly
The protests, which erupted for the abolition of job quotas in the civil service, resulted in more than 200 deaths, according to BBC Bangla. After the government reduced the quota system in response to students' demands, and following a Supreme Court verdict, students took to the streets to demand justice for those killed, injured, or detained during demonstrations.
Anger of Public and Government Response
While the scale of the protests has diminished, the government is still failing to contain rising anger over its response. Hundreds rallied in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, outside the largest mosque after Friday prayers, asking in unison: "Why are our brothers in graves and the killers outside?" Security forces fired back with tear gas and rubber bullets, injuring at least 20 people.
Unicef's Regional Director Speaks Out
After a visit to Bangladesh, Unicef's regional director for South Asia, Sanjay Wijesekera, admitted he had heard reports of children being detained. He confirmed 32 children were known to have died, saying it was "a terrible loss." The majority of them were teenagers, but among them was also one child under five and another between six and twelve years old. Wijesekera called attention to the fact that "children must be protected at all times," saying it is everyone's responsibility to ensure they are safe.
Government's Reaction to Unicef's Report
The junior Information Minister of Bangladesh, Mohammad Ali Arafat, said he did not believe the figures given by Unicef. According to him, the government did not have any such information with regard to the death toll given in the report. "We don't know where they got the numbers from," he said, but then confirmed that the government would conduct an inquiry, for which those responsible would be held accountable.
Excessive Force Allegations
The security forces have been accused of excessive force to quash the demonstrations. Amongst those killed and injured, several had gunshot wounds. Though it admitted to the killing of some police officers, the government blamed the violence on political opponents.
Government Measures Against Islamist Party
In response to the violence, the government banned the country's main Islamist party, JamaaateIslami, and its student wing, Islami Chhatra Shibir, accusing them of participating in killings and destruction of property. According to the Law Minister, Anisul Huq, "We have evidence that they have participated in the killings and in the destruction of government and private properties." The opposition party leader condemned the ban as "illegal, extrajudicial and unconstitutional."
Detention of Student Leaders
The student protest leaders were detained for one week and the authorities said it was for their protection. Their release did not calm public outrage. In a joint statement, the students alleged "harassment, torture and drama" during their detention and criticized grounds for their arrest. They urged continued protests saying "no one is safe in the custody of those who kill unarmed students and citizens."
Mass Arrests Amid Crackdown
According to reports, as many as 9,000 people have been detained since the government launched a crackdown on protests. Junior Information Minister Arafat defended the detentions, stating that the student leaders were taken into custody because of credible threats against their lives.
The situation in Bangladesh remains tense as the government grapples with the fallout of how it handled the protests. Unicef's report brought international attention to the tragic loss of young lives at the hands of conflict, therefore underscoring the demands for accountability and protection of children in such situations. The ongoing public anger and continued demonstrations signal that the demand for justice and reform is far from over.
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