Nation Observes Day of Mourning for Quota Reform Movement Victims

On Tuesday, the entire country is observing a day of mourning in memory of those who tragically lost their lives in the violence surrounding the quota reform movement. This decision was formalized in a Cabinet meeting held on Monday, highlighting the government's commitment to honoring the deceased.

As part of the mourning activities, citizens will wear black badges to symbolize their grief. Additionally, special prayers will be held in mosques across the nation, offering prayers for the departed souls. Other places of worship, including temples, churches, and pagodas, will also hold special ceremonies to remember the victims.

A government notification detailed that the day of mourning on July 30 is dedicated to those who perished due to violence, vandalism, arson, looting, and terrorism linked to the anti-quota movement. This movement, which aimed at reforming the quota system in government jobs, escalated into widespread unrest and tragic loss of life.

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan stated last Sunday that the official death toll stands at 147, based on reports from various hospitals and districts. However, Cabinet Secretary Md. Mahbub Hossain later updated this figure, indicating that three more fatalities had been confirmed, bringing the total to 150.

Contrasting these official numbers, the anti-discrimination student movement, a prominent platform advocating for quota reforms, reported that 266 individuals have died in the clashes. Abdul Hannan, one of the coordinators of this movement, provided a list to journalists on the night of July 27, though it lacked the identities of 66 victims.

Moreover, the national daily Prothom Alo reported that, as of July 29, 211 deaths had been confirmed from various sources, including hospitals and the victims' relatives. This discrepancy in the death toll underscores the chaotic and tragic nature of the events.

The quota reform movement, which began as a call for fairness in government job allocations, has left a deep scar on the nation. The day of mourning serves as a somber reminder of the heavy price paid by many and the urgent need for peaceful and constructive dialogue in addressing such critical issues.