A total of 147 people have been killed so far in the clashes amid the quota reform movement in the country, said Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal.
“Confusion is being spread over the death toll. Some are claiming that the death toll is 500. According to hospital sources and other information, the actual number of deaths stands at 147,” said the home minister during a discussion with journalists at his office in the Secretariat on Sunday (28 July).
Regarding the number of student casualties, the minister said that the exact details are not yet known and further verification is needed.
He said police personnel, Awami League activists, students, and people from various professions are among the victims.
In response to another question from journalists, the home minister stated that police officers were compelled to open fire.
Addressing the issue of detaining coordinators of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement by the Detective Branch (DB), he said, "Protesting students had expressed concerns about their safety. Therefore, they were taken into protective custody for their security."
"They were not arrested, and the plan is to release them once it is safe," the minister added.
