July massacre

The July massacre (Bengali: জুলাই গণহত্যা, romanized: Julāi Gôṇôhôtyā) was the violent suppression and mass killings in Bangladesh during the July Revolution from July 16 to August 5, 2024. Triggered by the reinstatement of a controversial quota system and widespread public dissatisfaction, the crackdown was carried out by the government led by the Awami League party, its affiliated groups such as the Chhatra League, and various law enforcement agencies.

In June 2024, the Bangladesh Supreme Court reinstated the quota system in government jobs, triggering the resurgence of the quota reform movement in early July. Following weeks of demonstrations, tensions escalated on July 15 after clashes between protesters and members of the Chhatra League. In the days that followed, law enforcement agencies, including the Police, RAB, and BGB, as well as members of the ruling party's student, youth and volunteer wings, were involved in violent confrontations with the protesters. These clashes resulted in numerous deaths, including among protesters, law enforcement personnel, party members, bystanders, and children. By early August, the violence had resulted in substantial casualties, with estimates of fatalities ranging from two hundred to one thousand, and thousands more reported injured.

Despite the significant loss of life, Hasina's government denied responsibility, attributing the violence to other factors. The events of July 2024 have since been widely scrutinized, with varying views on their impact on Bangladesh's sociopolitical landscape.