Online Desk  

August 2, 2024 marked one of the most significant days of Bangladesh's July mass uprising, as allegations of gunfire against demonstrators emerged during nationwide protest marches organized by the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement. The day also saw the ruling Awami League come under unprecedented pressure on the streets amid growing public resistance.

The protests came after the "March for Justice" programme on July 31, which had injected new momentum into the movement following reported attacks on demonstrators. Student leaders declared August 1 as "July 32," vowing that "July" would continue until the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government. In that spirit, August 2 was observed as "July 33," with mass marches held across the country.

Following Friday prayers, thousands of people took to the streets in Dhaka and other cities despite heavy rain and attempts by law enforcement agencies to restrict the demonstrations. While rallies at Shahbagh and Science Laboratory in the capital remained largely peaceful, clashes and reports of gunfire occurred in Uttara. In Chattogram, protesters held a mass march stretching nearly 10 kilometres. Clashes were also reported in Khulna, Habiganj, Cumilla, Lakshmipur, and Sylhet.

A day earlier, six coordinators of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement—Nahid Islam, Sarjis Alam, Hasnat Abdullah, Asif Mahmud, Abu Bakar Majumdar, and Nusrat Tabassum—were released from the custody of the Detective Branch (DB) of police. In a joint statement, they said a video message announcing the withdrawal of the movement had been recorded under pressure while they were in custody. They vowed to continue the protests until their nine-point demands were met and announced a mass rally at the Central Shaheed Minar on August 3.

In Khulna, police fired tear gas shells and sound grenades at demonstrators near the city's Zero Point, triggering violent clashes. Similar confrontations took place in the Akhalia and Madina Market areas of Sylhet. In Habiganj, members of the Bangladesh Chhatra League were accused of attacking protesters. In response, angry demonstrators later vandalized the local Awami League office.

The movement also received support from artists, academics, cultural activists, and members of civil society. Members of the Visual Artists' Community staged a protest on Sat Masjid Road in Dhanmondi, while cultural figures, teachers, and intellectuals organized a "Droh Jatra" (March of Resistance) from the National Press Club to the Central Shaheed Minar in solidarity with the student movement.