US condemns violence against quota reform protesters in Bangladesh

The US condemned violence against Bangladeshi students protesting for quota reform, urging adherence to democratic principles and the protection of peaceful assembly rights.

US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller criticized the violence during a regular press briefing on Monday, amid reports of hundreds of protesters being attacked at campuses across Bangladesh.

Responding to a question about Washington’s stance, Miller said the US was aware of and monitoring the widespread student protests in Dhaka and around Bangladesh.

“The freedom of expression and peaceful assembly are essential building blocks of any thriving democracy, and we condemn any violence against peaceful protesters. Our thoughts are with those who have been impacted by this violence,” Miller stated.

Although no deaths have been reported during the protests, the State Department spokesperson mentioned two, raising concerns about possible misinformation from social media.

Students have been protesting across Bangladesh for several days, demanding the abolition of quotas in favor of a merit-based system for civil service jobs.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday said if the grandchildren of freedom fighters did not get jobs, would the grandchildren of Razakars get them?

Quota reform protestors gathered in front of the Raju Memorial Sculpture on the Dhaka University campus the next day to hold a rally protesting the remark and demanding she withdraw it.