On July 1st, post-secondary students of Bangladesh and allies took to the streets to protest the decision of the High Court to reinstate a discriminatory quota system that was abolished in 2018. This quota reserves 30% of civil service positions for children and grandchildren of people who fought  in the country's 1971 liberation movement. With nearly 20% of  Bangladesh's population out of work, the current unrest is fueled by the high unemployment rates that the new quota changes will only help to increase. 

The student movement vehemently stands in solidarity against the police and militant forces that attack student rights and autonomy to peacefully protest. We condemn the Bangladeshi government’s escalated response to deploy military forces and tanks against peaceful student protesters, leaving hundreds of students injured or missing, with over 19 students confirmed dead, a number still rising. Additionally, the involvement of anti-quota demonstrators and students under the  ruling party’s wing in attacking protesters has further exacerbated the violence, as well as being compared war criminals grossly infringes on students' right to a peaceful protest and right of being heard. The deployment of military forces and tanks against students on their campuses is also a clear violation of human rights and democratic principles

Furthermore, an internet blackout has been placed across Bangladesh limiting communication within and outside the country. Canada has a large Bangladeshi population, most of which are students, and this blackout limits these students’ communication with their families, severely disrupting education, everyday life and mental health.

Over the past year, we have seen a massive increase of students' advocacy rights being oppressed by higher administrative and governmental bodies both home and abroad. This is evident in universities and colleges use of force to remove pro-Palestinian encampments across Canada, and even arresting, suing and charging its own students.

The Canadian Federation of Students stands in unwavering solidarity with the students of Bangladesh and beyond. We call on the Bangladeshi government to cease its violent repression and to engage in constructive dialogue with its students, meeting them with respect and understanding. We also urge national leaders and international bodies to express their solidarity with the students of Bangladesh.

We also ask the community to support the Bangladeshi societies and communities in your areas during this time of uncertainty and unrest. We believe in the power of collective action.

The Canadian Federation of Students remains committed to advocating for the rights of students. The students, globally united, will never be defeated. 

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In Solidarity, 

The Canadian Federation of Students.

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