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The '''2013 Operation at Motijheel Shapla Chattar''' is the term given to events on May 5 and 6, 2013, in the capital city of Dhaka, Bangladesh, encompassing a rally and violent protest by ], an extremist organization, and the government's use of more than 10,000 police and military forces the next day to suppress the violence. Much of the day's events were telecast live on national television before the government ended coverage.<ref name=Ind-001>{{cite news|title=Controversy over Shapla Square casualty|url=http://www.theindependentbd.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=168199:controversy-over-shapla-square-casualty&catid=129:frontpage&Itemid=121|title=Controversy over Shapla Square Casualty |accessdate=1 September 2013|newspaper=The Independent|date=9 May 2013}}</ref><ref name=bbc11>{{cite web|title=Riot police battle Islamists in Dhaka Bangladesh|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-22418379|work=BBC news|publisher=BBC|accessdate=2013-05-21}}</ref> Several sources reported that more than 30 were dead.<ref name=guardian.co.uk>{{cite web|title=Bangladesh protest violence leaves more than 30 people dead|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/may/06/bangladesh-protest-violence-people-dead|publisher=guardian.co.uk|accessdate=2013-05-20}}</ref><ref name=msn1>{{cite web|title=Clashes over Islam blasphemy law kill 27 in Bangladesh|url=http://news.msn.com/world/clashes-over-islam-blasphemy-law-kill-27-in-bangladesh|publisher=]|accessdate=2013-05-20}}</ref> | |||
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2018}} | |||
{{Infobox civil conflict | |||
| partof = ] | |||
| image = 2.শাপলা চত্বর.jpg | |||
| caption = Shapla Square | |||
| date = 5 May 2013 – 6 May 2013;<br />({{Age in years, months, weeks and days|month1=5|day1=5|year1=2013|month2=5|day2=6|year2=2013}}) | |||
| place = ] | |||
| coordinates = | |||
| causes = ] | |||
| goals = * Enactment of ]; | |||
* Stopping ]. | |||
| methods = {{flatlist| | |||
*] | |||
*] of ] | |||
}} | |||
| status = | |||
| result = * Protesters barricading the Shapla Square shot | |||
* Reports of deaths of protesters in Shapla Square | |||
* Dozens of protesters killed in 6 May morning in ] and ]; | |||
* ] and ] shut down. | |||
| concessions = | |||
| side1 = ]<br />]<br />]<br />]<ref name=":14"/><ref name=":7" /> | |||
| side2 = ] | |||
| leadfigures1 = * ] | |||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
| leadfigures2 = * ] | |||
| fatalities = 1000-3000 (opposition claims) | |||
10-12 (government claims) | |||
50-60 (neutral claims)<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":0" /> | |||
| map_type = | |||
| map_caption = | |||
}} | |||
The '''Shapla Square protests''', also known as the '''siege of Dhaka''', '''Operation Shapla''', '''Operation Flash Out''' by security forces,<ref name=":7" /> was the protests and subsequent shootings of 5 and 6 May 2013 at ], located in the ] district, the main financial area of ], ].<ref name="Islamists">{{cite news|url=http://dawn.com/2013/05/06/at-least-22-dead-as-police-clash-with-bangladesh-islamists/|title=At least 32 dead as Bangladesh Islamists demand blasphemy law|date=6 May 2013|newspaper=]|agency=Agence France-Presse|accessdate=19 May 2013}}</ref> The protests were organized by the ] ], ], who were demanding the enactment of a ].<ref name="Islamists" /><ref name="Weekend Independent">{{cite news|url=http://www.theindependentbd.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=168711:press-note-on-motijheel-reflects-party-views-instead-of-govt-dudu&catid=132:backpage&Itemid=122 |title=Press note on Motijheel reflects party views instead of govt: Dudu |date=12 May 2013 |newspaper=Weekend Independent |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029050045/http://www.theindependentbd.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=168711%3Apress-note-on-motijheel-reflects-party-views-instead-of-govt-dudu&catid=132%3Abackpage&Itemid=122 |archive-date=29 October 2013 |accessdate=19 May 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="siege">{{cite news|url=http://gulfnews.com/news/world/other-world/radical-islamists-lay-siege-to-dhaka-1.1179391|title=Radical Islamists lay siege to Dhaka|last=Rahman|first=Anisur|date=5 May 2013|newspaper=]|accessdate=19 May 2013}}</ref> The government responded to the protests by cracking down on the protesters using a combined force drawn from the ], ] and paramilitary ] to drive the protesters out of Shapla Square.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ashraf |first=Shamim |date=6 May 2013 |title=Hefajat men flee Motijheel |url=http://archive.thedailystar.net/beta2/news/security-forces-start-operation/ |newspaper=The Daily Star |accessdate=28 May 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Govt trashes loss of thousands of lives rumour |url=http://archive.thedailystar.net/beta2/news/govt-trashes-loss-of-thousands-of-lives-rumour/ |newspaper=The Daily Star |agency=UNB |date=10 May 2013 |accessdate=28 May 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Bangladesh clashes rage over blasphemy law |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia/2013/05/20135510413485449.html |work=Al Jazeera |date=6 May 2013}}</ref><ref name=":13">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-22418379|title=Riot police battle Islamists in Dhaka Bangladesh|work=BBC News|accessdate=21 May 2013}}</ref> | |||
Hefajat activists continued to strike in Narayanganj, Hathazari and Bagerhat on Monday morning, hours after their men were flushed out of the capital’s Motijheel area.<ref name=May6_narayanganj_dailyStar>{{cite news|title=27 more killed|url=http://www.thedailystar.net/beta2/news/22-more-killed/|accessdate=7 May 2013|newspaper=The Daily Star|date=7 May 2013}}</ref><ref name=May6_Narayaganj_yahoonews>{{cite web|last=Paul|first=Ruma|title=At least 20 dead in Islamist protests in Bangladesh|url=http://news.yahoo.com/death-toll-bangladesh-clashes-rises-20-police-165924074.html|work=Yahoo News|accessdate=7 May 2013}}</ref><ref></ref> In the early hours of 6 May, the government sent in about 10,000 forces drawn from ], the elite ] and paramilitary ] to drive Hefazat from Shapla Chattar.<ref></ref> Hefazat claim thousands of their men was died on this operation; that has not been supported by the free press, ], ]'s June report, or the government.<ref name=bdnews-001/><ref name=sun-001/> | |||
Following the events at ], protests in other parts of the country also broke out, during which 27 people died,<ref name="May6_narayanganj_dailyStar">{{cite news |title=27 more killed |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/beta2/news/22-more-killed/ |newspaper=The Daily Star |date=7 May 2013 |accessdate=7 May 2013}}</ref><ref name="May6_Narayaganj_yahoonews">{{cite news |last=Paul |first=Ruma |title=At least 20 dead in Islamist protests in Bangladesh |url=https://news.yahoo.com/death-toll-bangladesh-clashes-rises-20-police-165924074.html |newspaper=Yahoo News |agency=Reuters |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130506191531/http://news.yahoo.com/death-toll-bangladesh-clashes-rises-20-police-165924074.html |archive-date=6 May 2013 |accessdate=7 May 2013}}</ref><ref name="BNS bears Hefajat brunt">{{cite news |title=BNS bears Hefajat brunt |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/beta2/news/bns-bears-hefajat-brunt/ |newspaper=The Daily Star |date=7 May 2013}}</ref> although different sources report casualty numbers ranging from 20 to 61.<ref name="May6_narayanganj_dailyStar" /><ref name="May6_Narayaganj_yahoonews" /><ref name="BNS bears Hefajat brunt" /><ref name=":6" /><ref name="guardian.co.uk">{{cite news |last=Al-Mahmood |first=Syed Zain |date=6 May 2013 |title=Bangladesh protest violence leaves more than 30 people dead |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/may/06/bangladesh-protest-violence-people-dead |newspaper=The Guardian |accessdate=20 May 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Clashes over Islam blasphemy law kill 27 in Bangladesh |url=http://news.msn.com/world/clashes-over-islam-blasphemy-law-kill-27-in-bangladesh |work=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130610011034/http://news.msn.com/world/clashes-over-islam-blasphemy-law-kill-27-in-bangladesh |archive-date=10 June 2013 |accessdate=20 May 2013}}</ref> The opposition party BNP initially claimed thousands of Hefazat activists were killed during the operation, but this was disputed by the government.<ref name="bdnews-001" /><ref name=":11">{{cite journal|title=Country Information and Guidance Bangladesh: Opposition to the government|journal=UK Home Office|date=February 2015|page=11|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/565489/CIG-BGD-Political-opponents-v1-February-2015.pdf|accessdate=11 January 2017}}</ref> ] and other ]s put the total death toll at above 50.<ref name="bdnews-001" /><ref name=":0">{{cite web|title=Blood on the Streets: The Use of Excessive Force During Bangladesh Protests|url=https://www.hrw.org/report/2013/08/01/blood-streets/use-excessive-force-during-bangladesh-protests|accessdate=26 December 2016|website=Human Rights Watch|publisher=Human Rights Watch}}</ref> Initial attempts to dispute the chain of events were thwarted due to the government closure of two television channels, ] and ], which were live telecasting the operation.<ref name=":12" /><ref name=":9">{{cite news|url=http://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2013/05/06/diganta-islamic-tv-taken-off-air|title=Diganta, Islamic TV taken off air|date=6 May 2013|newspaper=bdnews24.com}}</ref> | |||
==Background== | ==Background== | ||
The events on May 5–6 were related to continuing unrest and protests by ], identified as a fundamentalist, extremist organization. They oppose changes in the country that relate to women's education and loosening restrictions against genders appearing in mixed situations in public. | |||
=== 13 point demand === | |||
A February 22, 2013 protest developed into violence. On April 6, 2013, its supporters made a long-march to promote their 13-point charter of demands, which promote an extremely conservative view of society.<ref name=theindependentbd-1>{{cite news|title=Ganajagaran vows to resist Hefazat hartal|url=http://theindependentbd.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=163598:ganajagaran-vows-to-resist-hefazat-hartal&catid=129:frontpage&Itemid=121|accessdate=26 October 2013|newspaper=The Independent|date=7 April 2013}}</ref> The government arrested ], editor of the opposition '']'' newspaper, on charges of sedition. He was tortured in prison.<ref>" http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-22110132 "</ref> | |||
In early 2013, ] emerged as a ] composed of ] teachers and students,<ref name=":8">{{Cite journal |date=16 March 2015 |title=Civil & Political Rights In Bangladesh |url=https://www.achrweb.org/reports/bangla/CCPR-Bangladesh2015-02.pdf |journal=Asian Centre for Human Rights |volume=1 |pages=37 |access-date=8 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309133627/http://www.achrweb.org/reports/bangla/CCPR-Bangladesh2015-02.pdf |archive-date=9 March 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref> led by ], rector of ].<ref name="Islamists" /> The group became particularly active after allegations surfaced that some protesters in the ] were involved in the publishing of content offensive to ] on blogs,<ref name=":02">{{cite web |url=http://www.bdinn.com/articles/hefazat-e-islam-explains-the-13-points-demands/ |title=Hefazat-e-Islam explains the 13 points demands |website=Bangladesh Independent News Network |publisher=Bangladesh Independent News Network |access-date=12 March 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819012848/http://bdinn.com/articles/hefazat-e-islam-explains-the-13-points-demands/ |archive-date=19 August 2014}}</ref> including the depiction of ] as a ].<ref name=":7" /> On 6 April 2013, its supporters made a long-march to promote their 13-point charter, which included:<ref name="Islamists" /><ref>{{cite news |title=Ganajagaran vows to resist Hefazat hartal |url=http://theindependentbd.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=163598:ganajagaran-vows-to-resist-hefazat-hartal&catid=129:frontpage&Itemid=121 |newspaper=The Independent |location=Dhaka |date=7 April 2013 |access-date=26 October 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130820154457/http://theindependentbd.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=163598:ganajagaran-vows-to-resist-hefazat-hartal&catid=129:frontpage&Itemid=121 |archive-date=20 August 2013}}</ref> | |||
* Restoration the phrase "Complete faith and trust in the Almighty Allah" in the constitution | |||
* Enact a ];<ref name=":1">{{cite journal |date=July 2013 |title=The Dhaka Massacre of 6 May 2013: A Briefing |url=http://deshrights.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/dhakamassacre_final.pdf |journal=Desh Rights |volume=1 |page=1 |access-date=26 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140728175210/http://deshrights.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/dhakamassacre_final.pdf |archive-date=28 July 2014}}</ref><ref name=":13" /> | |||
* Taking measures for punishment of "atheist ]," who led the ] ], and anti-Islam activists who made "derogatory remarks" against the ].<ref name="hefajate-islam">{{Cite web |url=http://hefajate-islam.org/?p=159 |title=Allama Shafi hopes to end all confusion Hefazat-e-Islam explains the 13 points demands |access-date=12 March 2015 |website=Hefajat e Islam Bangladesh |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402133517/http://hefajate-islam.org/?p=159 |archive-date=2 April 2015}}</ref> | |||
* Stopping "infiltration of all 'alien-culture', in the name of individual's freedom of expression, including free mixing of male and female" and candle lighting. Stopping harassment of women, open fornication and adultery, ], all forms of violence against women and an end to the tradition of ]; | |||
* Make Islamic education mandatory from primary to higher secondary levels, cancelling the women's, and anti-religion, education policy. | |||
* Declaration of ] as non-Muslim.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> | |||
* Stopping the erection of statues to be popularly venerated, such as by the placement of flowers.<ref name="hefajate-islam" /> | |||
* Lifting government restrictions on access to mosques across the country, including ];<ref name="hefajate-islam" /> | |||
* Stopping ] content in media;<ref name=":1" /> | |||
* Stopping anti-Islam activities by NGOs in the ]; Hefazat fears a "foreign conspiracy" to make a separate ] in that area;<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-127788 |title=Unknown Islamist group flexes its muscles in Ctg |date=25 February 2010 |work=] |access-date=12 January 2017}}</ref> | |||
* Stop the ] of ];<ref name=":0" /> | |||
* Stopping the harassment of teachers and students of ] ] and ];<ref name=":0" /> | |||
* Release of all ], and ] students, that had been arrested and the withdrawal of all cases filed against them, compensation for the victims, and bringing the assailants to justice. | |||
The government responded by saying that it had "already met" many of the group's demands. This included the arrest of four bloggers for making derogatory comments against Prophet Muhammad.<ref name=":13" /> | |||
=== Human Rights Watch warning === | |||
==Protest and events== | |||
On 3 May 2013, ] issued warnings, based on information obtained from diplomatic missions regarding an imminent government crackdown, to security forces against committing excesses in the planned upcoming protests.<ref name=":12">{{cite news|url=http://www.weeklyholiday.net/homepage/pages/UserHome.aspx?ID=2&date=05/10/2013|title=Motijheel massacre spawns unintended consequences|date=10 May 2013|publisher=Weekly Holiday|issue=1|agency=Weekly Holiday|accessdate=17 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118050147/http://www.weeklyholiday.net/homepage/pages/UserHome.aspx?ID=2&date=05%2F10%2F2013|archive-date=18 January 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> It also urged the government to appoint an independent commission to investigate the ], and prosecute those responsible for unlawful killings and use of force.<ref name=":12" /> | |||
Hefazat-e-Islam organized a protest on May 5 against what they called "atheist bloggers,"<ref>, BBC</ref> and demanded new legislation to provide punishment for ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theindependentbd.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=168711:press-note-on-motijheel-reflects-party-views-instead-of-govt-dudu&catid=132:backpage&Itemid=122|title=Press note on Motijheel reflects party views instead of govt: Dudu|date=May 12, 2013|work=Weekend Independent|accessdate=19 May 2013}}</ref><ref name="Islamists">{{cite news|url=http://dawn.com/2013/05/06/at-least-22-dead-as-police-clash-with-bangladesh-islamists/|title=At least 32 dead as Bangladesh Islamists demand blasphemy law|date=May 6, 2013|work=]|accessdate=19 May 2013}}</ref><ref name="siege">{{cite news|url=http://gulfnews.com/news/world/other-world/radical-islamists-lay-siege-to-dhaka-1.1179391|title=Radical Islamists lay siege to Dhaka|last=Rahman|first=Anisur|date=May 5, 2013|work=]|accessdate=19 May 2013}}</ref> They had a 13-point list of demands that included the following:<ref name="Islamists"/> | |||
*execution of so called atheist bloggers; | |||
*demand of blasphemy law; | |||
*cancellation of the country's pro-women development policy; | |||
*ban on the mixing of men and women in public; | |||
*end to "shameless behavior and dresses"; and | |||
*rule that the ] sect as non-Muslim. | |||
== Protests == | |||
The Hefajat protesters assaulted two on-duty television journalists before the rally.<ref>{{cite news|title=2 scribes beaten up by Hifazat|url=http://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2013/05/05/2-scribes-beaten-up-by-hifazat|newspaper=bdnews24.com|date=May 5, 2013}}</ref> In the major part of the violence, the protesters began by attacking and burning the ] office at ].<ref name=cpb_office-1>{{cite news|title=Hifazat men burn CPB office|url=http://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2013/05/05/hifazat-men-burn-cpb-office|accessdate=5 May 2013|newspaper=]|date=5 May 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=How could they do it?|url=http://www.thedailystar.net/beta2/news/how-could-they-do-it/|newspaper=The Daily Star|date=May 7, 2013}}</ref> Hefajat supporters vandalized and torched at least 50 vehicles and several buildings during their rally.<ref name=bd-news2>{{cite news|title=Hifazat sets vehicles on fire|url=http://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2013/05/05/hifazat-sets-vehicles-on-fire|newspaper=bdnews24.com|date=May 5, 2013}}</ref> They violently attacked others in front of the ruling party ]'s headquarter at ], Dhaka.<ref name=Al_office-1>{{cite news|title=Jamaat behind AL office attack: Alamgir|url=http://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2013/05/05/jamaat-behind-al-office-attack-alamgir|accessdate=5 May 2013|newspaper=bdnews24.com|date=5 May 2013}}</ref> ''Hefajat'' supporters set fire to book stores near the National Mosque Baitul Mukarram.<ref name=bd-news1>{{cite news|title=Hifazat burns Quran, Hadith in blind rage|url=http://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2013/05/06/hifazat-burns-quran-hadith-in-blind-rage|date=May 6, 2013}}</ref> | |||
== |
=== 5 May === | ||
] organized a protest on 5 May demanding a trial of "atheist bloggers",<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-22049408|title=Bangladesh Islamists rally against bloggers|date=6 April 2013|work=BBC News}}</ref> and new legislation for the punishment for ].<ref name="Islamists" /><ref name="Weekend Independent" /><ref name="siege" /> On 5 May 2013, Hefazat activists blockaded all six entrance routes to ] from dawn.<ref name=":7" /> At noon, with the permission of ] (DMP), activists entered ] and started moving towards ] to attend a prayer service.<ref name=":7" /> However, activists of Hefazat-e- Islam were attacked en route by armed ] activists, who were using the ] to reach Shapla Square.<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":0" /> In self defense, Hefazat activists counterattacked with bricks.<ref name=":7" /> During the clashes, two television journalists were injured, apparently by Hefazat protesters.<ref name=":7" /><ref>{{cite news |title=2 scribes beaten up by Hifazat |url=http://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2013/05/05/2-scribes-beaten-up-by-hifazat |newspaper=bdnews24.com |date=5 May 2013}}</ref> At about 3:00 pm, while Hefazat leaders were delivering speeches, the Secretary General of the ], ], demanded, via press conference, that they leave ].<ref name="bdnews-001" /> The opposition party ] (BNP) countered by asserting that Hefazat members had a democratic right to assemble and articulate their cause.<ref name=":7" /> During the unrest, Hefazat protesters allegedly attacked the offices of the ] at ].<ref>{{cite news |title=Hifazat men burn CPB office |url=http://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2013/05/05/hifazat-men-burn-cpb-office |newspaper=] |date=5 May 2013 |accessdate=5 May 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=How could they do it? |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/beta2/news/how-could-they-do-it/ |newspaper=The Daily Star |date=7 May 2013}}</ref> Hefazat claimed that their workers were unarmed and had come under attack by police and ] activists at ], Purana Paltan and ], and in front of the Communist Party offices.<ref name=":12" /> Hefazat supporters reportedly vandalized at least 50 vehicles and several buildings during their rally.<ref>{{cite news |title=Hifazat sets vehicles on fire |url=http://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2013/05/05/hifazat-sets-vehicles-on-fire |newspaper=bdnews24.com |date=5 May 2013}}</ref> They violently attacked others in front of the ] headquarter at ], ], and allegedly set fire to a number of book stores near the ].<ref>{{cite news |title=Hifazat burns Quran, Hadith in blind rage |url=http://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2013/05/06/hifazat-burns-quran-hadith-in-blind-rage |newspaper=bdnews24.com |date=6 May 2013}}</ref> | |||
According to government estimates, the number of casualties in this operation was 11, including a few law enforcement members.<ref name=bdnews-001>{{cite news|title=HRW rebuts genocide claim|url=http://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2013/05/11/hrw-rebuts-genocide-claim|accessdate=26 October 2013|newspaper=]|date=11 May 2013}}</ref> Hefazat-e-Islam claims that thousands of their members were killed; ] rebutted that claim.<ref name=bdnews-001/><ref name=sun-001>{{cite news|title=HRW bins genocide claim by BNP, Hefazat|url=http://www.daily-sun.com/print_news.php?path=data_files/2013/05/12/494&cat_id=1&menu_id=1&news_type_id=1&index=10|accessdate=26 October 2013|newspaper=The Daily Sun}}</ref> Independent free media reported total deaths over 30, and possibly up to 50. | |||
According to different free media, the death toll rose to 22, including some law enforcement forces.<ref name="May6_narayanganj_dailyStar"/> A few foreign organization estimated the deaths as up to 50. | |||
=== 6 May === | |||
The government has filed 12 cases against top leaders of the Hefajat-e Islam for murder, vandalism, arson and destruction of properties and other charges.<ref>{{cite news|title=12 cases against Hifazat leaders|url=http://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2013/05/06/12-cases-against-hifazat-leaders|newspaper=bdnews24.com|date=May 6, 2013}}</ref> | |||
By nightfall, many of the demonstrators had left the city, but about 50,000- 70,000 still remained in ].<ref name="guardian.co.uk" /> There, they held prayers and were addressed by their leaders.<ref name=":0" /> At around 2.15 am on 6 May, security forces cut power to the area.<ref name=":8" /> At 2:30 a.m. about 5000 members of the security forces launched "Operation Shapla", or "Operation Flash Out",<ref name=":7" /> to remove them.<ref name="guardian.co.uk" /> The forces included members of the ], ], and ].<ref name=":7" /> At first they used megaphones, asking the protesters to leave the area peacefully. Then, moving in from three directions via Dainik Bangla, Fakirapool and ], security forces used ], rubber bullets, and sound grenades to disperse the demonstrators.<ref name=":7" /> Most fled the area, but others hid in side streets and buildings, where they were shot down by security forces.<ref name=":0" /> Hefazat alleges that the bodies were then picked up by ]s and dumped outside the city.<ref name=":0" /> Ahmad Shafi was escorted away from a madrassa in Dhaka and flown to ].<ref name="Islamists" /> Police insisted he was not arrested but was leaving voluntarily.<ref name="Islamists" /> | |||
On the following morning, the protests spread across the country. In ], students and teachers of a local madrasa held protests and blockaded the ]. In return, ] fired on the protesters, killing 27.<ref name="May6_narayanganj_dailyStar" /> In ], six people were shot dead by police, while in ], a Hefazat member died in a clash between protesters and police.<ref name="May6_narayanganj_dailyStar" /> | |||
Because of the differing views, ] called for an independent body to investigate the protest deaths,<ref>{{cite web|title=Clashes over Bangladesh protest leave 27 dead|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-22423815|work=BBC news|publisher=BBC|accessdate=2013-05-21}}</ref><ref name=telegraph1>{{cite web|title=36 killed in Dhaka as Islamic militants clash with police|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/bangladesh/10039795/36-killed-in-Dhaka-as-Islamic-militants-clash-with-police.html|publisher=The telegraph|accessdate=2013-05-21}}</ref><ref name="HRW1">{{cite web|url=http://www.hrw.org/news/2013/05/10/bangladesh-independent-body-should-investigate-protest-deaths|title=Bangladesh: Independent Body Should Investigate Protest Deaths|date=May 11, 2013|publisher=]|accessdate=25 August 2013|location=New York}}</ref> the poet and activist Farhad Mazhar said the government and media were making a cover-up and disinformation campaign.<ref></ref> | |||
== |
==Casualties== | ||
According to government estimates, the number of casualties in this operation was 11, including a few law enforcement members,<ref name=bdnews-001>{{cite news |title=HRW rebuts genocide claim |url=http://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2013/05/11/hrw-rebuts-genocide-claim |newspaper=] |date=11 May 2013 |accessdate=26 October 2013}}</ref> while the ] reported 5 deaths.<ref name=":12" /> Opposition parties initially claimed that 2000- 3000 of protesters had been killed,<ref name=":0" /> while Hefazat claimed about 1000 deaths.<ref name=":12" /> ] disagreed with Hefazat's claims.<ref name=bdnews-001/> | |||
{{Portal| |Bangladesh| |Human rights}} | |||
On 10 June, ], a human rights organization, published a controvercial report on human rights violations, but they didn't provide any list of casualties with this report.<ref name=DS-00235>{{cite news|title=Odhikar’s Hefajat list under wraps|url=http://archive.thedailystar.net/beta2/news/odhikars-hefajat-list-under-wraps/|accessdate=21 May 2014|newspaper=The Daily Star (Bangladesh)|date=August 18, 2013}}</ref><ref name=PN-000123>{{cite news|title=Odhikar Report on Hefajat Deaths: Questions aplenty|url=http://news.priyo.com/2013/09/01/odhikar-report-hefajat-deaths-questions-aplenty-84549.html|accessdate=21 May 2014|newspaper=Pryo News|date=01/09/2013}}</ref><ref>Odhikar, 10 June 2013 http://www.odhikar.org/documents/2013/FF_Report_2013/Hefazat_e_islam/Fact%20finding_Hefazate%20Islam_English.pdf</ref> On 19 June, ], the Prime Minister of Bangladesh rejected that, stating in Parliament that | |||
<blockquote>"..and that day's event was fully televised, you have seen how they have rubbed red dye onto their bodies and when police came and called them they got up and ran away... we saw that dead bodies made a run for it! This kind of drama has been made there."<ref>Parliamentary speech of Sheikh Hasina 19 June 2013 "https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=uoucAYQlQIc"</ref></blockquote> | |||
Some victims were bystanders, including a number of shopkeepers near the ], while most were Hefazat supporters, including children, who were killed by a blow to the head or gunshot wounds.<ref name=":0" /> Doctors at the ] confirmed that many of those dead had been shot in the head.<ref name="guardian.co.uk" /> One policeman was also attacked in reprisal.<ref name=":2" /> According to Human Rights Watch, eyewitnesses saw 25-30 bodies that were confirmed dead.<ref name=":0" /> This included British activist and journalist ], who saw 24 bodies.<ref name=":5">{{Cite news|url=https://ceasefiremagazine.co.uk/who-massacre-investigated-bangladesh-2013-massacre/|title=‘Who said this would be investigated?’ Bangladesh and the May 2013 Massacre|date=5 May 2014|publisher=Ceasefire Magazine|access-date=26 December 2016}}</ref><ref name=":3" /> '']'' reported 22 confirmed deaths,<ref name="guardian.co.uk" /> while an investigation conducted by ] revealed that 14 bodies of "bearded men" with gunshot wounds were buried, after the protests, at Dhaka's state-run cemetery.<ref name=":4">{{cite news|title=Video suggests higher Bangladesh protest toll|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia/2013/05/2013514143842666992.html|accessdate=26 December 2016|agency=]|publisher=]|date=14 May 2013}}</ref> Human rights group Odhikar reported 61 deaths, but refused to reveal the names of the victims out of security concerns for their families.<ref name=":7" /> The ] estimates a total of no fewer than total of 50 deaths.<ref name=":11" /> Many individuals, including orphan children, were missing, which may have contributed to the discrepancies in casualties.<ref name=":7" /> | |||
On 27 June, a US law firm, representing two Bangladesh diaspora organisations,<ref>"http://www.english.rtnn.net/?/newsdetail/detail/1/1/54449"</ref> filed cases in the ] against 25 Bangladeshi ministers and security officials, including Prime Minister ].<ref name="daily star icc">{{cite web|url=http://www.thedailystar.net/beta2/news/complaint-filed-at-icc-against-pm-24-others/|title=Complaint filed at ICC against PM, 24 others| date=30 June 2013|accessdate=19 July 2013|work=The Daily Star}}</ref> Whether a ] based lawyer said- "I am not sure about the objective of it and I am sure those Washington-based organisations have some political motives. They may have been trying to create political hype since filing a complaint in the ICC does not mean proceedings of a case will start immediately"<ref name=DT-225>{{cite news|title=Complaint lodged at ICC accusing Hasina, 24 others|url=http://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/2013/jun/29/complaint-lodged-icc-accusing-hasina-24-others|accessdate=24 May 2014|newspaper=Dhaka Tribune|date=June 29, 2013}}</ref> | |||
Because of the differing views, ] called for an independent body to investigate the protest deaths.<ref name=":2">{{cite web |url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2013/05/10/bangladesh-independent-body-should-investigate-protest-deaths |title=Bangladesh: Independent Body Should Investigate Protest Deaths |date=11 May 2013 |website=] |location=New York |accessdate=25 August 2013}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{cite news |last1=Bergman |first1=David |last2=Nelson |first2=Dean |date=6 May 2013 |title=36 killed in Dhaka as Islamic militants clash with police |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/bangladesh/10039795/36-killed-in-Dhaka-as-Islamic-militants-clash-with-police.html |newspaper=The Telegraph |location=London |accessdate=21 May 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Clashes over Bangladesh protest leave 27 dead |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-22423815 |work=BBC News |accessdate=21 May 2013}}</ref> ] demanded that ] set up an independent and impartial investigation immediately to look into police excesses.<ref name=":14">{{cite news|url=http://www.weeklyholiday.net/homepage/pages/UserHome.aspx?ID=3&date=05/10/2013#Tid=4870|title=Amnesty wants neutral probe into Motijheel crackdown|date=10 May 2013|publisher=Weekly Holiday|issue=1|agency=Weekly Holiday|accessdate=17 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118050835/http://www.weeklyholiday.net/homepage/pages/UserHome.aspx?ID=3&date=05%2F10%2F2013#Tid=4870|archive-date=18 January 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
On August 10, police arrested ], general secretary of Odhikar, who had published the most detailed account so far of the operation. In a press statement, the ] expressed deep concern over the arrest and demanded his immediate release.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2013/08/213064.htm |title=Detention of Bangladeshi Human Rights Activist Adilur Rahman Khan |author=Marie Harf |date=August 12, 2013 |work=US Department of State |publisher= |accessdate=22 August 2013}}</ref> | |||
On August 19, 2024, the organization ] released a list of 61 individuals who were killed by law enforcement during the protests.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/355345/hefazat-rally-in-shapla-chattar-odhikar-publishes|title=Hefazat rally in Shapla Chattar: Odhikar publishes list of killed people|website=]|date=19 August 2024}}</ref> | |||
== Censorship == | |||
] and ] channel were broadcasting live footage of the raid on Motijheel when they were forced off-air on the dawn of 6 May.<ref name=":9" /> Diganta Television's chief reporter M. Kamruzzaman said that around 25 plain-clothed policemen and an official from the broadcast commission had entered their studios without warning.<ref name="Islamists" /> According to the ] (BTRC), the channels' reporting on raid on ] contained "exaggerated things, (had) given misinformation and called for breaking the law and attacking the law enforcers."<ref name=":10">{{cite news|url=http://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/2013/may/06/govt-closes-2-tv-networks|title=Govt closes 2 TV networks|date=6 May 2013|last2=Karim|first2=Mohosinul|newspaper=Dhaka Tribune|last3=Islam|first3=Muhammad Zahidul|access-date=12 December 2015|last1=Salam|first1=Maria}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://archive.thedailystar.net/beta2/news/diganta-islamic-tv-off-air/|title=Diganta, Islamic TV off air|date=7 May 2013|newspaper=The Daily Star|access-date=12 December 2015}}</ref> Critics have accused the ] of using the Islamist issue to silence dissidents.<ref name=":10" /> | |||
==Reactions== | |||
===Domestic=== | |||
====Government==== | |||
In response to the massacre allegations, ] claimed the operation resulted in “zero casualty” while ] claimed it to be "bloodless."<ref name=":14" /> ] ] downplayed reports of inaccuracy in government figures and added that "most of the people in the country doesn't even think that there was any controversy with the matter."<ref name=":4" /> On 19 June, Bangladesh | |||
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina rejected the allegations, stating in Parliament | |||
<blockquote>... and that day's event was fully televised, you have seen how they have rubbed red dye onto their bodies and when police came and called them they got up and ran away ... we saw that dead bodies made a run for it! This kind of drama has been made there.<ref>Parliamentary speech of Sheikh Hasina 19 June 2013 "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoucAYQlQIc"</ref></blockquote> | |||
She also blamed the attack on her arch rival ], claiming: “She (Khaleda) is the instigator, she is the issuer of order.”<ref name=":14" /> Awami League politicians blamed Qamrul Islam BNP, ] and ] of backing the protests.<ref name=":14" /> Hefazat was also criticized for bringing minors, who were also attacked by law enforcement agencies during the operation,<ref>{{cite news |last=Chowdhury |first=Kamran Reza |date=23 May 2013 |title=Lawmakers allergic to word 'Hefazat' |url=http://www.dhakatribune.com/law-amp-rights/2013/may/23/lawmakers-allergic-word-%E2%80%98hefazat%E2%80%99 |newspaper=Dhaka Tribune |accessdate=29 May 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Noted personalities express concern |url=http://www.daily-sun.com/details_yes_15-05-2013_Children-in-violent-politics_497_2_5_1_0.html |newspaper=The Daily Sun |location=Dhaka |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140529221919/http://www.daily-sun.com/details_yes_15-05-2013_Children-in-violent-politics_497_2_5_1_0.html |archive-date=29 May 2014 |accessdate=29 May 2014 |quote=May 5 Shapla Chattar grand rally of Hefazat-e-Islam. In TV footages and video clips posted on different social media showed, Hefazat brought a large number of Quami Madrasah students who mostly are below 18 years to the grand rally and siege programmes at six entry points of the capital. After crackdown by the joint forces of BGB, RAB and Police, many panic-stricken children were seen coming out from the pandemonium of the Motijheel Shapla Chattar. Later some participant children told media that they have ever come to the capital and joined the Hefazat programmes on direction of their teachers without knowing details about the programmes.}}</ref> to the protests.<ref name=Child-123>{{cite news |last=Raju |first=Mohammed Norul Alam |date=1 December 2013 |title=Keep the children out of it |url=http://www.dhakatribune.com/op-ed/2013/dec/01/keep-children-out-it |newspaper=] |accessdate=29 May 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Islam |first=Zyma |date=11 January 2014 |title=Child Act-2013: A milestone not without shortcomings |url=http://childrights.thedailystar.net/2014/01/child-act-2013-a-milestone-not-without-shortcomings/ |work=Promoting Child Rights |publisher=The Daily Star |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140414193931/http://childrights.thedailystar.net/2014/01/child-act-2013-a-milestone-not-without-shortcomings/ |archive-date=14 April 2014 |accessdate=29 May 2014}}</ref> | |||
==== Opposition ==== | |||
The opposition ] compared the attacks to the ] and ].<ref name=":12" /> BNP leader MK Anwar called it a "disastrous killing."<ref name=":14" /> In response, Detective Branch police raided the houses of city BNP convener ] and ] chairman ].<ref name=":14" /> | |||
==== Hefazat-e-Islam ==== | |||
While some Hefzat activists vowed "revenge" after the killings,<ref name=":12" /> Hefazat '']'' Shah Ahmad Shafi appealed for calm<ref name=":15">{{cite news|title=Hefazat denies burning Quran allegations|url=http://www.clickittefaq.com/hefazat-denies-burning-quran-allegations/|accessdate=26 December 2016|agency=Ittefaq|publisher=Ittefaq|date=10 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161226215050/http://www.clickittefaq.com/hefazat-denies-burning-quran-allegations/|archive-date=26 December 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> and called a ] all over Bangladesh on 12 May 2013.<ref name=":14" /> | |||
====Others==== | |||
On 10 June 2013, human rights group ], published a fact finding report claiming 61 deaths,<ref name=":7">{{cite web |url=http://odhikar.org/assembly-of-hefazate-islam-bangladesh-and-human-rights-violations/ |title=Assembly of Hefazate Islam Bangladesh and Human Rights Violations |date=10 June 2013 |website=Odhikar |accessdate=7 August 2014}}</ref> but refused to provide any names of the victims report, citing security concerns for the families of the victims.<ref name=":6">{{cite news |title=Odhikar's Hefajat list under wraps|url=http://archive.thedailystar.net/beta2/news/odhikars-hefajat-list-under-wraps/ |newspaper=The Daily Star |date=18 August 2013 |accessdate=21 May 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Odhikar Report on Hefajat Deaths: Questions aplenty |url=http://news.priyo.com/2013/09/01/odhikar-report-hefajat-deaths-questions-aplenty-84549.html |newspaper=Priyo News |date=1 September 2013 |accessdate=21 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140521124207/http://news.priyo.com/2013/09/01/odhikar-report-hefajat-deaths-questions-aplenty-84549.html |archive-date=21 May 2014 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref> The Ain O Shalish Kendro demanded impartial investigation "to deal with them (Hefazat-e-Islam) more strategically and responsibly."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.askbd.org/web/?p=2634|title=ASK Concern of Ongoing Political clashes and Violence Observed on 5 May 2013|website=Ain O Shalish Kendro|accessdate=26 December 2016}}</ref> | |||
===International=== | |||
] ] voiced concern over the killing of unarmed protesters in Bangladesh and requested the government to sit with religious and political leaders.<ref name=":12" /> ], ], has cautioned that all groups and individuals have rights to protest.<ref name=":12" /> | |||
=== Lawsuits === | |||
The government filed 12 cases against Hefazat-e Islam leaders for murder, vandalism, arson and destruction of properties and other charges.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2013/05/06/12-cases-against-hifazat-leaders|title=12 cases against Hifazat leaders|date=6 May 2013|newspaper=bdnews24.com}}</ref> Hefazat denies the charges.<ref name=":15" /> | |||
On 27 June, Martin F. McMahon & Associates, a US law firm representing two US-based organisations, Human Rights and Development for Bangladesh and Bangladeshi-Americans in Greater Washington DC<ref>{{cite news|title=Case filed against Sheikh Hasina, 25 others in ICC |url=http://www.english.rtnn.net/?/newsdetail/detail/1/1/54449 |work=Real-time News Network |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130701082629/http://www.english.rtnn.net/?%2Fnewsdetail%2Fdetail%2F1%2F1%2F54449 |archive-date=1 July 2013 |accessdate=23 June 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> filed cases in the ] against 25 Bangladeshi ministers and security officials, including Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for alleged "torture, forced disappearance, extrajudicial executions and mass killings",<ref>{{cite news |title=Complaint filed at ICC against PM, 24 others |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/beta2/news/complaint-filed-at-icc-against-pm-24-others/ |newspaper=The Daily Star |date=30 June 2013 |accessdate=19 July 2013}}</ref> ], a ] based Bangladeshi lawyer who was accused of influencing the proceedings of ] at the instruction of Bangladesh government,<ref>{{cite magazine |title=The trial of the birth of a nation |url=https://www.economist.com/news/briefing/21568349-week-chairman-bangladeshs-international-crimes-tribunal-resigned-we-explain |magazine=] |date=15 December 2012 |accessdate=10 April 2013}}</ref> stated- "I am not sure about the objective of it and I am sure those Washington-based organisations have some political motives. They may have been trying to create political hype since filing a complaint in the ICC does not mean proceedings of a case will start immediately"<ref>{{cite news |title=Complaint lodged at ICC accusing Hasina, 24 others |url=http://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/2013/jun/29/complaint-lodged-icc-accusing-hasina-24-others |newspaper=Dhaka Tribune |date=29 June 2013 |accessdate=24 May 2014}}</ref> | |||
On 10 August, Police raided the office of Odhikar and arrested its general secretary ]. In a press briefing Police said they found the list of 61 deaths and released it to the media.<ref>{{cite news |title=A list riddled with holes |url=http://archive.thedailystar.net/beta2/news/odhikar-list-is-full-of-riddles/ |newspaper=The Daily Star |date=1 September 2013}}</ref> In a press statement, the ] expressed deep concern over the arrest and demanded his immediate release.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2013/08/213064.htm |title=Detention of Bangladeshi Human Rights Activist Adilur Rahman Khan |author=Marie Harf |date=12 August 2013 |work=US Department of State |accessdate=22 August 2013}}</ref> | |||
Following the overthrow of ] in the ], two mass murder charges were filed against her, including at the ], on 18 and 20 August over deaths caused by indiscriminate firing during the protests.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-18 |title=Hasina sued in 2013 Shapla Chattar 'mass murder' case |url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/355139/hasina-sued-in-2013-shapla-chattar-%E2%80%98mass-murder%E2%80%99 |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=Dhaka Tribune |language=en }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-20 |title=Hasina, Shahriar Kabir, Imran H Sarker accused of 'genocide' at Shapla Chattar in 2013 |url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/355427/hasina-shahriar-kabir-imran-h-sarker-accused-of |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=Dhaka Tribune |language=en }}</ref> | |||
== See also == | |||
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== References == | == References == | ||
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Latest revision as of 09:57, 31 December 2024
2013 Shapla Square protests | |||
---|---|---|---|
Part of 2013 Bangladesh political violence | |||
Shapla Square | |||
Date | 5 May 2013 – 6 May 2013; (1 day) | ||
Location | Dhaka | ||
Caused by | 2013 Bangladesh political violence | ||
Goals |
| ||
Methods | |||
Resulted in |
| ||
Parties | |||
| |||
Lead figures | |||
Casualties | |||
Death(s) | 1000-3000 (opposition claims)
10-12 (government claims) 50-60 (neutral claims) |
The Shapla Square protests, also known as the siege of Dhaka, Operation Shapla, Operation Flash Out by security forces, was the protests and subsequent shootings of 5 and 6 May 2013 at Shapla Square, located in the Motijheel district, the main financial area of Dhaka, Bangladesh. The protests were organized by the Islamist advocacy group, Hefazat-e Islam, who were demanding the enactment of a blasphemy law. The government responded to the protests by cracking down on the protesters using a combined force drawn from the police, Rapid Action Battalion and paramilitary Border Guard Bangladesh to drive the protesters out of Shapla Square.
Following the events at Motijheel, protests in other parts of the country also broke out, during which 27 people died, although different sources report casualty numbers ranging from 20 to 61. The opposition party BNP initially claimed thousands of Hefazat activists were killed during the operation, but this was disputed by the government. Human Rights Watch and other human rights organizations put the total death toll at above 50. Initial attempts to dispute the chain of events were thwarted due to the government closure of two television channels, Diganta Television and Islamic TV, which were live telecasting the operation.
Background
13 point demand
In early 2013, Hefajat-e Islam emerged as a pressure group composed of madrassah teachers and students, led by Shah Ahmad Shafi, rector of Hathazari Madrasah. The group became particularly active after allegations surfaced that some protesters in the Shahbag protests were involved in the publishing of content offensive to Muslims on blogs, including the depiction of Muhammad as a pornographic character. On 6 April 2013, its supporters made a long-march to promote their 13-point charter, which included:
- Restoration the phrase "Complete faith and trust in the Almighty Allah" in the constitution
- Enact a blasphemy law;
- Taking measures for punishment of "atheist bloggers," who led the Shahbagh movement, and anti-Islam activists who made "derogatory remarks" against the Muhammad.
- Stopping "infiltration of all 'alien-culture', in the name of individual's freedom of expression, including free mixing of male and female" and candle lighting. Stopping harassment of women, open fornication and adultery, sexual harassment, all forms of violence against women and an end to the tradition of dowry;
- Make Islamic education mandatory from primary to higher secondary levels, cancelling the women's, and anti-religion, education policy.
- Declaration of Ahmadiyyas as non-Muslim.
- Stopping the erection of statues to be popularly venerated, such as by the placement of flowers.
- Lifting government restrictions on access to mosques across the country, including Baitul Mukarram National Mosque;
- Stopping Islamophobic content in media;
- Stopping anti-Islam activities by NGOs in the Chittagong Hill Tracts; Hefazat fears a "foreign conspiracy" to make a separate Christian state in that area;
- Stop the extrajudicial killing of ulema;
- Stopping the harassment of teachers and students of Qawmi madrassas and ulema;
- Release of all ulema, and madrassa students, that had been arrested and the withdrawal of all cases filed against them, compensation for the victims, and bringing the assailants to justice.
The government responded by saying that it had "already met" many of the group's demands. This included the arrest of four bloggers for making derogatory comments against Prophet Muhammad.
Human Rights Watch warning
On 3 May 2013, Human Rights Watch issued warnings, based on information obtained from diplomatic missions regarding an imminent government crackdown, to security forces against committing excesses in the planned upcoming protests. It also urged the government to appoint an independent commission to investigate the killing of civilians since February, and prosecute those responsible for unlawful killings and use of force.
Protests
5 May
Hefazat-e-Islam organized a protest on 5 May demanding a trial of "atheist bloggers", and new legislation for the punishment for blasphemy. On 5 May 2013, Hefazat activists blockaded all six entrance routes to Dhaka from dawn. At noon, with the permission of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), activists entered Dhaka and started moving towards Baitul Mukarram Mosque to attend a prayer service. However, activists of Hefazat-e- Islam were attacked en route by armed Awami League activists, who were using the Gulistan Road to reach Shapla Square. In self defense, Hefazat activists counterattacked with bricks. During the clashes, two television journalists were injured, apparently by Hefazat protesters. At about 3:00 pm, while Hefazat leaders were delivering speeches, the Secretary General of the Awami League, Sayed Ashraful Islam, demanded, via press conference, that they leave Dhaka. The opposition party Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) countered by asserting that Hefazat members had a democratic right to assemble and articulate their cause. During the unrest, Hefazat protesters allegedly attacked the offices of the Communist Party of Bangladesh at Motijheel. Hefazat claimed that their workers were unarmed and had come under attack by police and Bangladesh Chhatra League activists at Gulistan, Purana Paltan and Baitul Mukarram, and in front of the Communist Party offices. Hefazat supporters reportedly vandalized at least 50 vehicles and several buildings during their rally. They violently attacked others in front of the Awami League headquarter at Paltan, Dhaka, and allegedly set fire to a number of book stores near the Baitul Mukarram mosque.
6 May
By nightfall, many of the demonstrators had left the city, but about 50,000- 70,000 still remained in Shapla Square. There, they held prayers and were addressed by their leaders. At around 2.15 am on 6 May, security forces cut power to the area. At 2:30 a.m. about 5000 members of the security forces launched "Operation Shapla", or "Operation Flash Out", to remove them. The forces included members of the Bangladesh Police, RAB, and BGB. At first they used megaphones, asking the protesters to leave the area peacefully. Then, moving in from three directions via Dainik Bangla, Fakirapool and Bangladesh Bank intersection, security forces used tear gas, rubber bullets, and sound grenades to disperse the demonstrators. Most fled the area, but others hid in side streets and buildings, where they were shot down by security forces. Hefazat alleges that the bodies were then picked up by garbage trucks and dumped outside the city. Ahmad Shafi was escorted away from a madrassa in Dhaka and flown to Chittagong. Police insisted he was not arrested but was leaving voluntarily.
On the following morning, the protests spread across the country. In Narayanganj, students and teachers of a local madrasa held protests and blockaded the Dhaka-Chittagong highway. In return, police fired on the protesters, killing 27. In Hathazari Upazila, six people were shot dead by police, while in Bagerhat, a Hefazat member died in a clash between protesters and police.
Casualties
According to government estimates, the number of casualties in this operation was 11, including a few law enforcement members, while the Daily Star reported 5 deaths. Opposition parties initially claimed that 2000- 3000 of protesters had been killed, while Hefazat claimed about 1000 deaths. Human Rights Watch disagreed with Hefazat's claims.
Some victims were bystanders, including a number of shopkeepers near the Baitul Mukarram, while most were Hefazat supporters, including children, who were killed by a blow to the head or gunshot wounds. Doctors at the Dhaka Medical College Hospital confirmed that many of those dead had been shot in the head. One policeman was also attacked in reprisal. According to Human Rights Watch, eyewitnesses saw 25-30 bodies that were confirmed dead. This included British activist and journalist David Bergman, who saw 24 bodies. The Guardian reported 22 confirmed deaths, while an investigation conducted by Aljazeera revealed that 14 bodies of "bearded men" with gunshot wounds were buried, after the protests, at Dhaka's state-run cemetery. Human rights group Odhikar reported 61 deaths, but refused to reveal the names of the victims out of security concerns for their families. The UK Home Office estimates a total of no fewer than total of 50 deaths. Many individuals, including orphan children, were missing, which may have contributed to the discrepancies in casualties.
Because of the differing views, Human Rights Watch called for an independent body to investigate the protest deaths. Amnesty International demanded that Bangladesh government set up an independent and impartial investigation immediately to look into police excesses.
On August 19, 2024, the organization Odhikar released a list of 61 individuals who were killed by law enforcement during the protests.
Censorship
Diganta TV and Islamic TV channel were broadcasting live footage of the raid on Motijheel when they were forced off-air on the dawn of 6 May. Diganta Television's chief reporter M. Kamruzzaman said that around 25 plain-clothed policemen and an official from the broadcast commission had entered their studios without warning. According to the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), the channels' reporting on raid on Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh contained "exaggerated things, (had) given misinformation and called for breaking the law and attacking the law enforcers." Critics have accused the Sheikh Hasina government of using the Islamist issue to silence dissidents.
Reactions
Domestic
Government
In response to the massacre allegations, police claimed the operation resulted in “zero casualty” while 14 party leaders claimed it to be "bloodless." Bangladeshi foreign minister Dipu Moni downplayed reports of inaccuracy in government figures and added that "most of the people in the country doesn't even think that there was any controversy with the matter." On 19 June, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina rejected the allegations, stating in Parliament
... and that day's event was fully televised, you have seen how they have rubbed red dye onto their bodies and when police came and called them they got up and ran away ... we saw that dead bodies made a run for it! This kind of drama has been made there.
She also blamed the attack on her arch rival Khaleda Zia, claiming: “She (Khaleda) is the instigator, she is the issuer of order.” Awami League politicians blamed Qamrul Islam BNP, Jamaat and ISI of backing the protests. Hefazat was also criticized for bringing minors, who were also attacked by law enforcement agencies during the operation, to the protests.
Opposition
The opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party compared the attacks to the Pakistani crackdown on 25 March and Jalianwala Bagh massacres. BNP leader MK Anwar called it a "disastrous killing." In response, Detective Branch police raided the houses of city BNP convener Sadeque Hossain Khoka and Bangladesh Jatiya Party chairman Andaleeve Rahman Partha.
Hefazat-e-Islam
While some Hefzat activists vowed "revenge" after the killings, Hefazat amir Shah Ahmad Shafi appealed for calm and called a general strike all over Bangladesh on 12 May 2013.
Others
On 10 June 2013, human rights group Odhikar, published a fact finding report claiming 61 deaths, but refused to provide any names of the victims report, citing security concerns for the families of the victims. The Ain O Shalish Kendro demanded impartial investigation "to deal with them (Hefazat-e-Islam) more strategically and responsibly."
International
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon voiced concern over the killing of unarmed protesters in Bangladesh and requested the government to sit with religious and political leaders. US ambassador, Dan Mozena, has cautioned that all groups and individuals have rights to protest.
Lawsuits
The government filed 12 cases against Hefazat-e Islam leaders for murder, vandalism, arson and destruction of properties and other charges. Hefazat denies the charges.
On 27 June, Martin F. McMahon & Associates, a US law firm representing two US-based organisations, Human Rights and Development for Bangladesh and Bangladeshi-Americans in Greater Washington DC filed cases in the International Criminal Court against 25 Bangladeshi ministers and security officials, including Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for alleged "torture, forced disappearance, extrajudicial executions and mass killings", Ahmed Ziauddin, a Brussels based Bangladeshi lawyer who was accused of influencing the proceedings of Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal at the instruction of Bangladesh government, stated- "I am not sure about the objective of it and I am sure those Washington-based organisations have some political motives. They may have been trying to create political hype since filing a complaint in the ICC does not mean proceedings of a case will start immediately"
On 10 August, Police raided the office of Odhikar and arrested its general secretary Adilur Rahman Khan. In a press briefing Police said they found the list of 61 deaths and released it to the media. In a press statement, the US Department of State expressed deep concern over the arrest and demanded his immediate release.
Following the overthrow of Sheikh Hasina in the Non-cooperation movement (2024), two mass murder charges were filed against her, including at the International Crimes Tribunal, on 18 and 20 August over deaths caused by indiscriminate firing during the protests.
See also
References
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- ^ "Assembly of Hefazate Islam Bangladesh and Human Rights Violations". Odhikar. 10 June 2013. Retrieved 7 August 2014.
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May 5 Shapla Chattar grand rally of Hefazat-e-Islam. In TV footages and video clips posted on different social media showed, Hefazat brought a large number of Quami Madrasah students who mostly are below 18 years to the grand rally and siege programmes at six entry points of the capital. After crackdown by the joint forces of BGB, RAB and Police, many panic-stricken children were seen coming out from the pandemonium of the Motijheel Shapla Chattar. Later some participant children told media that they have ever come to the capital and joined the Hefazat programmes on direction of their teachers without knowing details about the programmes.
- Raju, Mohammed Norul Alam (1 December 2013). "Keep the children out of it". Dhaka Tribune. Retrieved 29 May 2014.
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- "Hasina sued in 2013 Shapla Chattar 'mass murder' case". Dhaka Tribune. 18 August 2024. Retrieved 18 August 2024.
- "Hasina, Shahriar Kabir, Imran H Sarker accused of 'genocide' at Shapla Chattar in 2013". Dhaka Tribune. 20 August 2024. Retrieved 20 August 2024.
External links
- Odhikar's full report
- Dhaka Metropolitan commissioner's interview published in The Prothom Alo newspaper
- Independent TV's investigative report on Operation Shapla chattar
- Independent TV's investigative report on Operation Shapla chattar (English sub titled)
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