Why Are Political Parties in Bangladesh Protesting Police Action After the Dhaka Plane Crash?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Political parties in Bangladesh protested against police actions following a tragic plane crash.
- The crash resulted in a death toll of 32, mostly children.
- Students demanded accountability and accurate information from the government.
- A committee has been formed to investigate casualties and missing persons.
- Public sentiment is highly critical of the government's response.
Dhaka, July 23 (NationPress) On Wednesday, at least three political parties in Bangladesh conducted a walkout in protest of law enforcement's actions against students and guardians following the tragic aircraft incident in Dhaka. This protest coincided with the 18th day of the National Consensus Commission's second round of discussions.
The death toll from Monday's plane crash, which struck the Milestone School and College campus in the capital, has risen to 32, with the majority of those affected being children, as reported by local media.
The political parties that participated in a brief 10-minute symbolic walkout included the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), Bangladesh Socialist Party (BASAD), and Bangladesh JASAD.
CPB General Secretary Ruhin Hossain Prince stated, “A heart-wrenching incident occurred at Milestone College. Teachers, students, and guardians protesting the tragedy faced attacks. Given recent events, we cannot stay without voicing our dissent. Hence, we will step out for 10 minutes.”
Significant protests erupted at the crash site on Tuesday, and outside the Secretariat in the capital, where students demanded the immediate resignation of the interim government's Education Advisor, led by Muhammad Yunus, along with the Education Secretary.
Following the tragic accident, the interim government's law and education advisors, along with Yunus's Press Secretary, encountered fierce protests from students demanding their resignations, asserting that the government's information regarding the crash was incorrect.
Protesters called for the release of an accurate list of those deceased and injured, as well as compensation details for the victims' families.
Reports indicate that at least 75 students sustained injuries during the police crackdown on protests and were later treated at Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
In response, Milestone School and College announced the establishment of a seven-member committee aimed at determining the actual number of casualties, injuries, and missing persons amid student protests demanding accurate victim figures.
The statement issued by the institution noted, “At 1:12 pm on July 21 (Monday), an Air Force aircraft unexpectedly crashed into the permanent Diabari campus school building. Many young students, teachers, staff, and guardians were injured or lost their lives at the scene. To ascertain the precise number of injured, deceased, and missing persons, a committee has been formed comprising officials, faculty, guardians, and students. This committee will complete its work and submit a report within three working days.”
Headed by Principal Mohammad Ziaul Alam, the committee includes Vice Principal Masud Alam, Headmistress Khadija Akter, Coordinator Lutfunnesa Lopa, guardian Moniruzzaman Molla, and two student representatives, Maruf Bin Ziaur Rahman and Tasnim Bhuiyan.