Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan reported on Sunday that 147 people have died during the violence surrounding the quota reform protests.

“Among the deceased are police officers, Awami League leaders and activists, students, and individuals from various professions,” the minister said during a press briefing at the Secretariat.

The Home Minister indicated that efforts are ongoing to determine the final death toll and the demographics of the victims, including the number of men, women, and individuals from different professions.

“When police failed to control the situation, the army was called in, and a curfew was imposed. The country is gradually returning to normalcy. We are relaxing the curfew for a few hours and will lift it entirely once stability is fully restored,” he said.

A comprehensive list of those killed during the unrest is being compiled and will be updated as new information emerges.

Addressing rumors about the death toll, Asaduzzaman clarified, “We have provided the death toll number based on the information we currently have.”

Student leaders ‘not arrested,’ will be released once police deem them out of danger: Home Minister

The minister issued a stern warning to those responsible for the violence: “We will identify the culprits and bring them to justice. No one will be spared.”

In response to allegations of human rights violations involving the arrest of minors during block raids, the home minister refuted these claims, saying that there is evidence of teen gangs being used in the violence for monetary gain.

Dismissing accusations against the police of repeated firing, Asaduzzaman said, “All such claims are rumors and propaganda.”

147 people died in violence during quota reform movement: Home Minister

When questioned about the arrest of innocent people during the raids, he said, “We have information from the Intelligence team, which provided a list to the police. Arrests were made based on video footage.”

The student protests demanding reforms in the government job quota system began on July 1, 2024. Following clashes between students, police, and Chhatra League activists on Dhaka University campus on July 15, violence spread across the country.