Protest organizers in Bangladesh call off demonstrations

According to the Dhaka Tribune, the organizers who initiated the protests against the quota decision held a joint press conference.

In the announcement, it was stated that the decision to end the protests came after the quota for families of Independence War participants was reduced from 30% to 5%.

The statement noted that the demands had been met by the government, and the protests were called off "in consideration of public welfare."

The statement condemned the unexpected violence during the protests, which resulted in numerous injuries and fatalities, as well as acts of arson and various violent incidents in state institutions.

The organizers also called for a thorough investigation into the incidents and the reopening of educational institutions.

However, some protest leaders claimed that the decision to end the demonstrations was made under pressure and declared their intention to continue protesting.

Protests began in Bangladesh following the decision to allocate quotas in the public sector for the children of those who served in the 1971 War of Independence.

The protests intensified due to attacks and interventions by members of the Awami League Party, led by Prime Minister Hasina, its student wing, the Bangladesh Chhatra League, and the police on university campuses.

On July 21, the Bangladesh Supreme Court decided to reduce the quota for families of Independence War participants from 30% to 5%, allocating 2% to ethnic minorities and disabled individuals, and 93% based on merit.

Justice Minister Anisul Haq stated that the curfew imposed due to the protests would gradually be lifted as tensions eased, leading to some businesses and official institutions resuming limited services.

Interior Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal reported that 147 people had died in the protests, while media reports indicated the death toll exceeded 200.