Government forms new 3-member commission to investigate quota protest violence

The commission has 45 working days to report to the government after investigating the events from Jul 16 to Jul 2

The government has formed a three-strong commission to investigate the violence during the quota reform protests in government jobs.

This move follows an earlier commission set up for a similar investigation.

Cabinet Secretary Md Mahbub Hossain announced the constitution of the commission in a notification, which was approved by President Mohammed Shahabuddin.

The new commission will conduct an inquiry into the deaths, violence, sabotage, arson, looting, terrorist activities, and other damages that occurred from Jul 16 to Jul 21.

It will also evaluate the extent of damage to properties owned by government, semi-government, autonomous offices, institutions, government companies, statutory authorities, corporations, and private entities.

Justice Khandaker Diliruzzaman of the Supreme Court's High Court Division will lead the commission, with Justices K M Zahid Sarwar and Mohammad Showkat Ali Chowdhury also from the High Court Division.

It has been given 45 working days to deliver its report.

Previously, on Jul 18, a single-member commission led by Justice Diliruzzaman was assigned to investigate the events of Jul 16 only.

The protest against the government job quota system, led by students under the banner of the anti-quota student movement, escalated into clashes with the pro-government Bangladesh Chhatra League at Dhaka University on Jul 15.

The following day, violence spread outside the university campus to Dhaka's Science Laboratory area, resulting in the deaths of a Chhatra League activist and a small trader.

Three others, including a Chhatra Dal leader and a passer-by, were killed in Chattogram’s Muradnagar, and one student died at Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur.

Students were further incensed when images surfaced showing police shooting Abu Sayed, an English department student at the university. On Jul 18, the movement declared a complete shutdown.

In a speech to the nation on Jul 17, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina urged students to remain calm, assuring them of justice through the courts.

She also announced the formation of a judicial committee to investigate the deaths and promised compensation for the families of the injured and dead.

Despite these assurances, widespread clashes broke out in Dhaka's Badda and Uttara areas on Jul 18, leading to the deaths of several students by gunfire.

This triggered coordinated attacks on government installations throughout Dhaka and other parts of the country.

The violence spilt into the following day in several areas of Dhaka, including Jatrabari, Rampura, Badda, Mohammadpur, and Mohakhali, with the death toll rising. A curfew was imposed that night.

Even under curfew, clashes continued in Jatrabari, Rampura, and Mohammadpur. The situation was finally brought under control on Jul 21.

According to government figures, the five days of unrest resulted in 150 deaths, though media reports suggest the toll exceeded 200.

After the situation calmed somewhat, the prime minister announced an expansion of the judicial inquiry commission's scope to investigate the incidents and called for support from international organisations, including the United Nations.

Under the Commission of Inquiry Act 1956, the reconstituted commission will complete its investigation as directed by the prime minister.

The Cabinet Division will offer administrative assistance and cover necessary expenses for the commission. They may also appoint any government employee to support the commission's work.