Dhaka, Sep 14 (V7N) – According to a recent report by the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS), 875 people lost their lives, and more than 30,000 were injured during the anti-discrimination student movement that took place between July 16 and September 9, 2024. The findings were released in a press statement on Friday, based on data gathered from national dailies, HRSS’s research unit, and volunteers across the country.

The report reveals that 77% of the victims died from gunshot wounds, while many others were subjected to violence by law enforcement agencies. According to HRSS, 772 deaths were analysed in detail, with 599 people (77%) being shot dead, 85 (11%) beaten to death, and 61 (8%) succumbing to burn injuries.

HRSS further examined the demographics and causes of death, revealing that 53% of the deceased were aged between 19 and 30, and by the age of 30, the death rate stood at 70%. The majority of the victims were students, with 52% killed in shootings or police attacks.

The report also highlighted the involvement of the ruling party’s student wing, Chhatra League, who were allegedly ordered to attack the protesting students. Law enforcement agencies, including the police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Ansar, SWAT, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and the army, were deployed to control the demonstrations, with HRSS reporting the use of lethal weapons such as AK assault rifles, tear gas, and even helicopter gunfire.

The student movement, which began as a peaceful protest against discrimination, escalated into violence, resulting in tragic loss of life and raising concerns about human rights violations across the country.