Germany has expressed its concern over the recent attack on quota reformists.
In a social media post, the embassy in Dhaka said it has “with great concern followed the brutal attacks on peaceful protesters during the last few days”.
The Facebook post, however, did not mention the attack on demonstrators demanding reforms to quotas in public service.
“Freedom of speech and freedom of opinion are constitutional rights of the citizens in this country. Attacks and repression aimed at denying these rights undermine the rule of law and run counter to the founding principals of Bangladesh,” reads the post on its verified page.
Students and job-seekers have been long demanding reforms to reserved posts in government jobs. In April, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina announced to abolish quotas following three days of demonstration, including violence on the Dhaka University.
Earlier this week, demonstrators once again announced for fresh protests as the government is yet to issue an official order on it.
Demonstrators in Dhaka and Rajshahi have been attacked in the last few days allegedly by activists of the ruling party’s student affiliate, Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL).
As many as four leaders have been arrested this week and sent to jail— one in a case under the ICT Act by BCL activist over slandering the prime minister while the three others in police cases over violence in April.
On Tuesday, police foiled a citizens’ demonstration protesting the attacks, when they detained a former university teacher and a former student leader, who were released leader.