On July 31, 2024, Bangladeshi police used teargas and sound grenades to disperse students engaged in a peaceful protest march in Sylhet city. Several students were injured.

Students gathered in front of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) in the morning of July 31 to engage in a “March for Justice,” demanding the implementation of a nine-point program of demands made by the anti-discrimination student movement. The group marched towards Sylhet city. When they reached Subid Bazar, police blocked them, leading to scuffles. After students removed police barriers, police fired tear gas and sound grenades to disperse them. The students threw pieces of brick at the police.

Scholars at Risk is concerned about the use of force by police 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:
https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/7rtmv6141n
https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/police-fire-teargas-canisters-stun-grenades-protesters-sylhet-3666201
https://www.rtvonline.com/country/284426