At least 37 killed in clashes despite nationwide curfew

At least 37 people were killed and scores injured across the country on July 20 last year despite an effective curfew nationwide, prompting the government to declare a two-day general holiday on July 21 and 22 to contain the student-people Uprising, reports BSS.

The casualties were reported as students and people continued their street protests defying the curfew to press home students' fresh nine point demand declared on July 19 that included the then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's apology to the nation for the casualties during the movement.

The movement was intensified on July 20 as news of detaining Nahid Islam, one of the key coordinators of the anti-discrimination student movement, at midnight on July 19 was spread among the protesters.

According a Dhaka based Bangla daily- Dainik Amader Shomoy- among the 37 deaths, 25 death including two policemen were reported in the capital while four each were reported in Mymensingh and Savar, and two each were reported in Gazipur and Narsingdi, though the actual figure was probably much higher.

Referring to media reports, an editorial of a Dhaka based English daily- The Daily Star- on July 21 stated, "The majority of the deaths was caused by firing from the police and BGB with the highest death toll on July 19".

Earlier, at midnight on July 19, the government imposed curfew and deployed army personnel across the country in aid to civil administration to contain the movement that had already turned into a student-people uprising fo lowing the death of Abu Sayeed on July 16.

Though the army personnel were seen intensifying patrolling across the country, the curfew was relaxed for two hours on July 20 to allow the people to perform emergency tasks.

However, the government declared a general holiday on July 21-22 as the student-people uprising went out of control even after imposing the curfew and suspending the broadband and mobile internet services.

Besides, the garments industry associations including, BGMEA, BKMEA and BTMA, also announced the closure of all garment factories across the country from July 21.

According to media reports, fiercest clashes took place in different areas in the capital, especially making Jatrabari, Mirpur and Mohammadpur hotspots of the movement. Besides, clashes were also reported in the New Market, Azimpur, Science Lab, Uttara, Bhatara, Merul Badda, Rampura and Banahsree areas in the city.

On July 20, fierce clashes erupted in the Mirpur-10 and its adjoining areas as law enforcers opened fire and charged tear-shells at the protesters. The clash continued from morning till evening while Kazipara metro station was set on fire.