Judicial panel to issue public notice for info on deaths during quota protest

The committee begins investigating the deaths of six people on the first day of violent clashes during the student protest

The judicial committee to investigate the deaths of six people on Jul 16 in the beginning of violent clashes during anti-quota student protests.

The committee decided to issue a public notice seeking information on the incidents from the general public, its sole member Justice Khandaker Diliruzzaman said after holding its first meeting on Wednesday.

The High Court judge vowed honesty and sincerity in the investigation.

The protesters demanding reforms to quotas in government jobs clashed with law-enforcing agencies and pro-government Bangladesh Chhatra League as the demonstrations turned violent on Jul 16.

Amid the turmoil, two people were killed in Dhaka, three in Chattogram and one in Rangpur on that day.

The Cabinet Division formed the judicial committee to investigate the incidents as pledged by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The committee will also investigate the arson attacks, lootings and other incidents of violence during the protest.

It was given 30 working days to finish the investigation and submit its report. The Cabinet Division’s coordination and reforms wing is helping the investigation with secretarial support.

Justice Diliruzzaman hopes to complete the investigation by Aug 6.

“You’ll know about the investigation by this time,” he said.