We, the undersigned, are writing to urgently appeal to the Government of Spain, international human rights activists and beloved Bangladeshi to refuse the visit of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, scheduled from July 21st to 29th, 2024.

Since July 9, 2024, students in Bangladesh have been peacefully protesting for quota reform to ensure fair access to government jobs. However, the government’s response has been alarmingly brutal. Under the direct orders of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, police forces and government-affiliated student leagues have been deployed to suppress these peaceful protests, resulting in severe violence. As of July 17, 2024, the official death toll has risen to 50, with thousands severely injured. Many students have been subjected to extreme violence, risking permanent injuries and loss of organs.

This blatant disregard for human rights and the safety of students is unacceptable. The Prime Minister’s orders have led to the deaths of more than 50 students, journalists and left thousands more with serious injuries, many of whom will suffer permanent disabilities. This level of state-sponsored violence against peaceful protesters is a gross violation of human rights and must be condemned by the international community.

We believe that allowing Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to visit Spain would be seen as an endorsement of her government’s oppressive actions. It is imperative that the international community stands in solidarity with the students of Bangladesh and sends a strong message that such human rights abuses will not be tolerated.

We urge the Government of Spain, international human rights activists and beloved Bangladeshi to take a stand against this injustice by refusing to host Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Your support can help bring international attention to the plight of these brave students and pressure the Bangladeshi government to end its oppressive practices.

Thank you for your time and consideration. We hope that you will join us in standing up for human rights and justice.

Sincerely,

Solidarity for Bangladeshi Students’ Protest Together  

Organized by Bangladeshi Canadians

Reference News Links

Bangladesh Deploys Border Force to Try to Quell Student Protests - The New York Times (nytimes.com)

Bangladeshi police used unlawful force against protesters (amnesty.org)

Bangladesh Quota Reform Movement 2024 | Quota reform resurgence: Stop violence against students (thedailystar.net)

Bangladesh Quota Reform Protests | Six Dead, Hundreds Injured In Bangladesh Protests (youtube.com)

Bangladesh quota protests live: Students vow ‘shutdown’ as 11 more killed | Protests News | Al Jazeera

Protests in Bangladesh put an end to a corrupt quota system (economist.com)

Govt must take clear steps for quota reform: protesters (bdnews24.com)

Bangladesh: Students protest jobs reserved for war heroes' children (bbc.com)