Image description
Protesters block the Shahbagh intersection during a protest in Dhaka on August 4, 2024, to demand justice for the victims arrested and killed in the recent nationwide violence during anti-quota protests. | AFP photo

Students demanding the resignation of prime minister Shiekh Hasina in protest of mass killings during their recent movement seeking reform in job quotas have announced a March to Dhaka programme for today.

In a statement sent out by Asif Mahmud, a coordinator of Student Movements Against Discrimination, a platform for protesting students, on Sunday, he urged people from all walks of life to join their programme and ensure the fall of the government.


The announcement came amid the protesters’ deadly  clashes with the police and the supporters of the ruling party across the country that left at least 91 people killed, scores injured, and many houses, and installations burned on the first day of their total non-cooperation movement. 

With Sunday’s death, the number of deaths in the ongoing protests, which started initially as quota reform protests before turning into anti-government protests, has surpassed 300, according to the ¶¶Òõ¾«Æ· tally.

The ‘March to Dhaka’ programme was originally scheduled for Tuesday, but Asif said in his message that they had reviewed the emergency decision and decided to hold the event on Monday.

‘I call upon the students and people of the whole country to leave for Dhaka tomorrow,’ he said. 

‘The time has come to put the final signature on this student civil uprising. Come to Dhaka to be a part of history…students and people will emerge in a new Bangladesh,’ he said.

Earlier, Nahid Islam, another coordinator of the protests, accused the ruling Awami League of pushing the country towards a civil war in a message.

‘Awami terrorists have instigated our peaceful movement since yesterday by spreading propaganda and lies against the protesters. The country is being pushed towards a civil war situation,’ he said.

‘Again, an attempt is being made to thwart the movement by arson in a planned way. The younger generation must protect the country. It is the responsibility of students and citizens to protect public life and state establishments. All conspiracies of the fascist Awami League must be foiled,’ he said.

He urged all to continue their movement for the one-point demand peacefully but resist all attacks.

‘The movement will end with victory,’ he said.

Nahid later, in a Facebook post, urged students, citizens, and workers to gather at Shahbagh at 2:00pm as part of their March to Dhaka programme.