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In the early hours of 15 July 2024, campuses across the country ignited in protest after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina referred to general students as “descendants of Razakar”. The comment, widely seen as offensive and dismissive, sparked immediate outrage.
The protest began at Dhaka University; students from multiple halls, including female students from Bangladesh-Kuwait Maitree, Rokeya, and Shamsunnahar Halls, gathered at the Raju Sculpture chanting, “We asked for rights, now we are called Razakars.” BUET students joined in solidarity. Around midnight, 4G mobile internet was shut down on campus, further fuelling tension.
Those who chanted ‘Who are you, who am I? Razakar! Razakar!’ out in the open, giving up their identity, their roots, and their sense of self – they are the Razakars of our time. They do not respect the state, they do not respect the courts, they do not respect history – and above all, they do not respect this country
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Mohibul Hassan Chowdhury Nowfel, Education Minister
What followed were coordinated attacks by Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) activists. Protesters were brutally assaulted at Dhaka University. Clashes erupted near Bijoy Ekattor Hall and the Vice-Chancellor’s residence. Similar attacks were reported at Chittagong University, SUST, Cumilla University, and more. Female students were also among those beaten.
Those who have twisted… Sheikh Hasina’s words and chanted slogans calling themselves ‘Razakar’ — they have brought disgrace to the sacred grounds of Dhaka University. Shame on them. Did these boys and girls feel no embarrassment in calling themselves Razakar?
Mohammad A Arafat, Information State Minister
At Jahangirnagar University, protesters were violently attacked in the early hours of 15 July. The provost of Rabindranath Tagore Hall resigned before the morning, following accusations of inciting the violence.
As the movement spread, private university students in Bashundhara, Purbachal, and Bhatara joined in. They blocked major roads including Badda, Kuril, and Progoti Sarani, demanding a just reform of the quota system.
By night, student leaders announced a new programme. At 9:40pm, Nahid Islam declared protests at all campuses nationwide for the following day. Police blocked a planned gathering at the Central Shaheed Minar, but students remained undeterred.
The day ended with a final wave of violence at Jahangirnagar University. Protesters, including female students, were brutally attacked. At least 20 to 25 students were seriously injured.