National Union of Students UK (NUSUK) stands in solidarity with Bangladeshi student protesters and reaffirms their right to peaceful protest. We recognise the importance of international solidarity in fighting repression and so, we wish to draw the attention of our students, and others, in the UK to this situation.
In short: The peaceful protests originally began in July 2024, after the High Court and government attempted to reinstate a quota system that will exacerbate unemployment and inequality in Bangladesh. However, the protests have become about far more than just the quota due to the heavy handed response from police and government which led to violence erupting across Universities. Police and security forces have used tear gas, live ammunition, batons, and rubber bullets against unarmed student protestors. Thousands have been injured, students detained by the police have alleged torture, and it’s reported that over 200 are dead, but figures are thought to be much higher. There has even been a nationwide mobile internet blackout imposed, making it harder to communicate and reach safety, and making it impossible to ascertain the extent of the atrocities being witnessed in Bangladesh right now.
Students have vowed to continue protesting, especially if student protest leaders are not released by the police - for many these protests have symbolised a growing movement against the repressive and authoritarian regime of the Bangladeshi prime minister and her ruling party.
NUS cares deeply about the welfare and rights of students worldwide. Our struggle, our vision, the better future that we hope for, is a hope for all - not just for students in the UK. We remain committed to always exploring how we can show solidarity with our counterparts across the globe. We know that the more voices speak out against oppression, and the more we amplify the voices of those oppressed, the more likely we are to win.
We also know that the current situation in Bangladesh directly affects Bangladeshi students studying here in the UK, many of whom have friends and family members impacted by the ongoing protests. Our thoughts are with everyone who this has impacted, and our doors are open to listen to any students who have been affected.
We encourage our members to participate in peaceful protests happening in the UK, to write statements of solidarity to amplify the voices of Bangladeshi students, we urge you to reach out to your universities to ensure that they are providing catered support for our Bangladeshi students here during this challenging time and to follow the Union of Bangladeshi Students in UK to find out how you can further support this cause.
For more info: https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2024/07/what-is-happening-at-the-quota-reform-protests-in-bangladesh/
https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/07/22/bangladesh-security-forces-target-unarmed-students
