The International Truth and Justice Project (ITJP) has released a harrowing report titled Bloodshed in Bangladesh that sheds light on the devastating violence during the anti-government protests on July 19, 2024.

The report, launched in collaboration with the Tech Global Institute (TGI), reveals shocking details about the bloodshed and the indiscriminate killing of civilians, including bystanders and children.

According to the report, 148 people were confirmed killed on that single day—three times the initially reported figure. Of those killed, 40 were aged 18 or younger, and 54 were shot in the head or throat. The report describes families wading through blood-soaked hospital morgues in desperate searches for their loved ones.

The ITJP, which collected evidence on the ground in Bangladesh shortly after the government fell, stated that many of the victims were not even involved in the protests but were caught in the indiscriminate firing. The overall death toll during the weeks of unrest is estimated to range between 800 and 1,500, though no official figure has been confirmed six months later.

During the protests, the government reportedly blocked international phone lines and internet access and imposed a strict curfew enforced by the army, severely hampering information collection.

The ITJP report calls for an independent investigation into the violence and for accountability for those responsible for the deaths. It paints a grim picture of human rights violations and highlights the need for justice for the victims and their families. 

BDST: 2010 HRS, JAN 15, 2025
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