Quota reform protesters issue 24-hour ultimatum for release of arrested students

They also demand the return of missing students and withdrawal of false charges

Quota reform protesters have issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the government, demanding the immediate release of arrested students, the withdrawal of all related legal cases, and the prosecution of those implicated in the recent killings.

Over 3,500 students have been detained across the country, Abdul Hannan Masud, a coordinator of the anti-discrimination student movement, said in a virtual press conference held on Saturday evening.

Many have been picked up from their homes and gone missing, while over 200 students have been killed, he said.

The authorities must return the missing students within 24 hours, release the arrestees, and withdraw all false charges, he added.

“Everyone involved in these incidents, from ministers to police constables, must be held accountable and brought to justice.”

“We are giving the government 24 hours to meet these demands. If they fail to do so, the student community will take to the streets on Monday with a more severe programme than the previous 'Bangla Blockade' and shutdowns.”

Masud urged the government to quickly engage with all stakeholders, set up a commission, and enact legislation in Parliament according to the commission's recommendations.

He outlined plans for Sunday, including raising awareness about “national genocide and injustice” through online and offline means, such as graffiti and wall writings.

He said: “I urge those abroad to send all documents to foreign embassies. The day after tomorrow [Monday], we will brief the global community on the situation and present evidence of the genocide.”

Another coordinator Mahin Sarkar and co-coordinator Rifat Rashid also attended the event.

Violence suddenly broke out in Dhaka and other parts of the country amid the movement for quota reforms. Private and public properties were vandalised, torched, and looted.

Hundreds of vehicles were burnt, while BTV broadcasts were suspended due to an arson attack on the state television channel’s building. Internet service was interrupted across the country.

Students, police, journalists, pedestrians, and even day labourers were killed amid the government’s attempts to restore order.

Eventually, the government imposed a curfew across the country and deployed the army to try and bring things under control.

Since things have calmed, the police have launched operations to try and arrest saboteurs in connection with a number of different cases at police stations across the country.