On July 31, 2024, Bangladeshi police beat students with batons as they were engaged in a peaceful protest march in Barisal city. Several protesters were detained, and at least 11 people were injured.

The students had gathered for a “March for Justice,” demanding the implementation of a nine-point program of demands made by the anti-discrimination student movement. As they were marching, police attempted to disperse them, using batons to beat them. A scuffle took place.

Scholars at Risk is concerned about the use of force by police and the detention of students in apparent retaliation for the nonviolent exercise of the rights to freedom of expression and association. State authorities have a responsibility not to interfere with the right to freedom of expression and association, so long as they are exercised peacefully and responsibly. Such actions undermine academic freedom and democratic society generally.

Sources:
*SAR identified this incident in data made publicly available by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED)
https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/police-block-march-justice-3666581
https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/7rtmv6141n
https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/25-injured-police-baton-charge-students-journalists-barishal-20-detained-907186