JMBF asserts that state-sponsored violence against unarmed civilians, including women, is a direct attack on freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, and the rule of law. JMBF condemns these actions in the strongest possible terms and demands an immediate end to the repression, accountability for those responsible, and the unconditional reinstatement of all affected teachers.
Fact in Brief (Information received from JMBF’s reliable sources and reports published in various media in Bangladesh):
On February 16, 2025 (Sunday), after 4 PM, the police brutally charged batons, fired tear gas, and used water cannons against protesting recommended teachers of government primary schools who were heading towards the Secretariat in Dhaka with a peaceful rally, causing the protesters to scatter.
Earlier, at around 3 PM, the protesters held a grand rally in front of the National Museum at Shahbagh, Dhaka, demanding the reinstatement of their canceled recruitment for the position of assistant teachers in government primary schools. From there, over a thousand protesters marched towards the High Court Mazar. Upon reaching the road leading to the Secretariat, they faced police resistance. In response, the protesters staged a sit-in on the road. At that point, the police used batons, tear gas, and water cannons to disperse them.
A protester named Nowrin Zaman stated that their procession was peaceful, but the police obstructed it, resorting to baton charges and later using water cannons. She questioned why the police were using force against such a just movement.
"We are here to claim our rights. We will not leave the streets until our demands are met," she said.
Another protester, Sanjida Akter Ruma, expressed frustration, saying:
"After competing and being recommended for the job, we have had to protest on the streets for 11 days and endure police violence. The level of injustice is indescribable."
Afreen, another participant, added:
"After being recommended for the job, it now feels like we have become criminals. We have been forced to take to the streets with our mothers, sisters, and children."
Earlier in the morning, over a thousand protesters gathered on the road in front of the National Museum for a grand rally. Job-seekers from both Dhaka and Chattogram participated in the event.
The protesters stated that they had been continuing their sit-in demonstration for 11 consecutive days. They vowed not to leave the streets until their recruitment is confirmed.
According to the protesters, the police have used force against them multiple times. Most recently, on February 13 (Thursday), the police used water cannons and batons against them. Previously, on February 9, the police dispersed them using water cannons, sound grenades, and tear gas shells, along with baton charges.
Nazmun Nahar, one of the protesters, told Prothom Alo that the cancellation of the recruitment of third-phase recommended candidates for the position of assistant teachers in government primary schools is a grave injustice. She pointed out that candidates from the first and second phases are already employed, yet those recommended through the same process in the third phase had their recruitment canceled.
"Two different policies for the same recruitment process—this is unacceptable. We will not leave the streets until our demands are met," she declared.
The protesters mentioned that they hold their sit-in demonstration at Shahbagh during the day and stay in front of the National Press Club at night. They have been continuing their movement in this manner for the past 11 days.
The recruitment of primary assistant teachers was announced in three phases. While the final recruitment process for the first and second phases has been completed, uncertainty looms over the third phase.
The third-phase recruitment notice was published on June 14, 2023. After written and oral exams, the results were announced on October 31, 2023, with 6,531 candidates qualifying.
However, after some candidates filed writ petitions, the recruitment process for all 6,531 candidates was suspended for six months. Later, on February 6, the High Court issued a ruling canceling their recruitment.
Earlier, on Wednesday, those denied recruitment held a protest in front of the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education in the capital. On Thursday, as part of their movement, they blocked roads at Shahbagh in protest, but the police dispersed them using water cannons.
Statements from Human Rights Defenders
Robert Simon, French Prominent Human Rights Activist and Chief Adviser of JMBF, stated:
“The world cannot stand silent while the rights of Bangladeshi citizens are trampled upon. The brutal assault on peaceful protesters is an outrageous act of state-sponsored oppression. The international community must pressure the Bangladeshi authorities to respect democratic values and fundamental human rights.”
Advocate Shahanur Islam, Bangladeshi Human Rights Lawyer and Founder President of JMBF, stated:
“This violence against innocent teachers is an unforgivable crime against justice and democracy. The government must be held accountable for violating the protesters' constitutional rights. JMBF stands in solidarity with the victims and will continue to fight for their justice at the international level.”
JMBF believes that the protesters, who have been peacefully demonstrating for 11 consecutive days, have been subjected to inhumane police brutality, reminiscent of authoritarian oppression. The violent dispersal on February 16 follows previous attacks on February 9 and 13, indicating a systematic attempt to silence legitimate grievances through state violence and intimidation.
JMBF urges the international community, United Nations, European Union, and human rights organizations to intervene and hold the Bangladeshi authorities accountable for their crimes against peaceful demonstrators.
JMBF also calls upon the Interim Government of Bangladesh to immediately halt all forms of violence, engage in meaningful dialogue with the protesters, and ensure justice for those who have been subjected to unlawful repression.
JMBF is closely monitoring developments and remains committed to fighting for democracy, justice, and human rights. We stand in solidarity with the peaceful protesters and demand an immediate end to repression in Bangladesh.
Justice will prevail!
Thank you,
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