China ‘heartened’ as Bangladesh rebounds from recent unrest

It welcomes the restoration of order and reaffirms its commitment to enhancing bilateral relations

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The Chinese foreign ministry has welcomed the recent shift to a 'calm and normal' situation in Bangladesh following the violence and clashes related to the quota reform movement.

“China noted that the situation in Bangladesh has come under control and social order has resumed. The Chinese side is heartened by that as Bangladesh’s friend and close neighbour," said the ministry’s spokesperson Lin Jian at a regular briefing on Tuesday.

Lin said, “China and Bangladesh are comprehensive strategic cooperative partners.”

“China stands ready to work with Bangladesh to deliver on the important common understandings reached by the leaders of the two countries during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to China, deepen the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries, and deliver more benefits to the two peoples.”

The protests began after the High Court declared a 2018 notification abolishing quotas in first and second class government jobs illegal.

Student protests intensified from early July, culminating in severe clashes between quota protesters and Chhatra League members at Dhaka University on Jul 15.

This violence led to six deaths and prompted a nationwide shutdown on Jul 18.

The shutdown saw widespread unrest, including attacks on government buildings and destruction of property, leading to a temporary internet blackout and the imposition of a curfew with military deployment.

Reports indicate that around 200 people died in the unrest, while the government reported 150.

After several days of severe disruption, the situation began to stabilise.

Curfews were relaxed, and normal operations resumed with the reopening of offices, factories, and long-distance transport services.

Internet and social media services have also been also restored.

The government has decided to reopen primary schools from Sunday, except for those in 12 city corporations and Narsingdi municipal area.

The UN, the US, the EU, Amnesty International, and other international organisations have expressed concern about the situation.

The US reiterated its support for the right to peaceful assembly, while the UN expressed concerns over excessive use of force and human rights violations, offering to assist in probing the issues.

Highlighting the deaths of civilians and law enforcers, as well as property destruction, EU Foreign Affairs Chief Josep Borrell Fontelles said: “These acts must be thoroughly investigated and those responsible brought to justice.”

“There must be full accountability for the numerous instances of the use of excessive and lethal force by law enforcement authorities against protesters and others, including journalists and young children. The thousands arrested must receive due process,” he added.