On July 31, 2024, police and university students clashed in Khulna city. Dozens of people were injured, and around 100 students reported arrested.

The students were participating in a “March for Justice,” demanding the implementation of a nine-point program of demands made by the anti-discrimination student movement.

The clash broke out after students removed a police barrier to stage a sit-in at an intersection in Khulna. During the clash, police fired sound grenades, tear gas, and rubber bullets, and used batons against students. Students responded by throwing brick pieces at police.

According to the Dhaka Tribune, police arrested some people after checking their mobile phone or computers and seeing a red profile picture on Facebook. The red picture was used to protest the deaths of other student protesters.

Scholars at Risk is concerned about the use of force during a student protest and about reports of some arrests based on a peaceful form of protest. While state authorities have the responsibility to maintain order and prevent disruption, they must refrain from the disproportionate use of force and endangerment of civilians and must respect the right to freedom of association and freedom of expression. Students and members of the public must refrain from violence, especially on campus, and also respect the right to freedom of association and freedom of expression. Such actions, beyond harming the immediate victims, have a chilling effect on academic freedom.

Sources:
*SAR identified this incident in data made publicly available by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED)
https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/nation/353276/60-injured-as-students-police-clash-in-khulna
https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/police-block-march-justice-3666581
https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/7rtmv6141n