THE LONDON BANGLA Press Club is deeply worried about the escalating violence in Bangladesh, which has seen a large number of students and journalists lose their lives.

Students began protesting at the Government’s approach to recruiting to the civil service by setting quotas, rather than appointing applicants on merit. Protestors alleged that the Government was using the quota scheme to appoint their own supporters.

The Government cracked down hard on the protestors, who continued to protest – leading to the Government imposing curfews which locked down most of the country and blocking access to the internet. The Bangladeshi courts have now ruled that the Government must abandon the quota system for 93% of civil service jobs – but students have vowed to continue protesting until the Government implements the ruling in practice.

The London Bangla Press Club plans to communicate its concerns over the violence to the Bangladesh Government through High Commissioner Saida Muna Tasneem in London.

Club President Muhammed Jubair, General Secretary Taysir Mahmud, and Treasurer Shaleh Ahmed have issued a joint statement affirming the rights of students to protest peacefully. They expressed dismay at the violent crackdown on demonstrators. The club leadership strongly condemns all forms of aggression, including instances where protestors have turned violent, and urges the Government to take swift, effective action to address the issues and prevent further escalation of the violence.

The statement outlined the devastating impact of the unrest: over 100 fatalities, including students, civilians, and at least two journalists; thousands of injuries; and extensive damage to state property. The internet blackout has raised further concerns as it is tantamount to an attack on freedom of information and communication.

The club leadership emphasised that the international media coverage of the unrest has damaged Bangladesh’s global image and has embarrassed the nation – with effects felt even within the Bangladeshi community in the UK. Sadly, some UK-based Bangladeshi journalists have faced intimidation in their efforts to cover events.

The London Bangla Press Club leadership has reiterated that the hard-won independence of 1971 guaranteed fundamental rights, including freedom of expression, peaceful protest, and assembly. They have called on state institutions to uphold these democratic principles and urged the Government and citizens to honour the core values of independence.

The Club hopes that through co-operation and responsible action, the current crisis and unrest can be resolved. The Press Club offered prayers for those who lost their lives in the violence, extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, and wished for the quick recovery of those injured.

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