{{Short description|2013 mass protest in Bangladesh}} {{Use dmy dates|date=January 2018}} {{Infobox civil conflict | partof = [[2013 Bangladesh violence]] | image = | caption = Protesters in [[Shapla Square]] in May 2013 | date = 5 May 2013 – 6 May 2013<br />({{Age in years, months, weeks and days|month1=5|day1=5|year1=2013|month2=5|day2=6|year2=2013}}) | place = [[Dhaka]] | coordinates = | causes = [[2013 Bangladesh violence]] | goals = * Enactment of [[blasphemy law]]; * Stopping [[criticism of Islam]]. | methods = {{flatlist| *[[Sit-in]] *[[Occupation (protest)|occupation]] of [[Shapla Square]] }} | status = | result = * Protesters barricading the Shapla Square shot * Reports of deaths of protesters in Shapla Square * Dozens of protesters killed on the morning of 6 May in [[Narayanganj]] and [[Bagerhat]]; * [[Diganta Television]] and [[Islamic TV]] shut down. | concessions = | side1 = {{Unbulleted list |{{flagicon|Bangladesh}} [[Government of Bangladesh]] }} {{Tree list}} **{{flagicon image|Bangladesh Police Flag.svg}} [[Bangladesh Police]] **[[Rapid Action Battalion]] {{Tree list/end}} {{Tree list}} *{{flagicon image|বাংলাদেশ আওয়ামী লীগের পতাকা.svg}} [[Awami League]] **{{flagicon image|বাংলাদেশ ছাত্রলীগের পতাকা.svg}} [[Bangladesh Chhatra League]] {{Tree list/end}} | side2 = [[Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh]] | leadfigures1 = {{Unbulleted list |{{flagicon image|Flag of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.svg}} [[Sheikh Hasina]] |{{flagicon|Bangladesh}} [[Muhiuddin Khan Alamgir]] |[[Benazir Ahmed]] }} | leadfigures2 = {{Unbulleted list |[[Shah Ahmad Shafi]]}} | fatalities = 93 killed ([[Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh]] claims)<br />10-12 (government claims)<br />53-61 (Independent sources){{Refn|<ref>{{Cite news |title=শাপলা চত্বর গণহত্যা: ৯৩ জন শহিদের খসড়া তালিকা প্রকাশ করল হেফাজত |url=https://www.shomoyeralo.com/news/311833 |access-date=2025-05-17 |website=www.shomoyeralo.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-03 |title=২০১৩ সালে শাপলা চত্বরে গণহত্যায় ৫৮ জন নিহত: উপ-প্রেস সচিব |url=https://sarabangla.net/news/post-1000056/ |access-date=2025-05-17}}</ref><ref name=":7" /><ref name=":0" />}} | map_type = | map_caption = }}
The '''Shapla Square protests''' ({{Langx|bn|শাপলা চত্বর আন্দোলন|Shapla Chattar Andolon}}), also known as '''Operation Flash Out''' by security forces,<ref name=":7" /> was the protests and subsequent shootings of protesters on 5 and 6 May 2013 at [[Shapla Square]], located in the [[Motijheel Thana|Motijheel]] district, the main financial area of [[Dhaka]], [[Bangladesh]].<ref name="Islamists">{{cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/812309/at-least-22-dead-as-police-clash-with-bangladesh-islamists|title=At least 32 dead as Bangladesh Islamists demand blasphemy law|date=6 May 2013|newspaper=[[Dawn (newspaper)|DAWN]]|agency=Agence France-Presse|access-date=19 May 2013}}</ref> The protests were organized by the [[Islamism|Islamist]] [[advocacy group]], [[Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh|Hefazat-e Islam]], who were demanding the enactment of a [[blasphemy law]].<ref name="Islamists" /><ref name="Weekend Independent">{{cite news|url=http://www.theindependentbd.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=168711:press-note-on-motijheel-reflects-party-views-instead-of-govt-dudu&catid=132:backpage&Itemid=122 |title=Press note on Motijheel reflects party views instead of govt: Dudu |date=12 May 2013 |newspaper=Weekend Independent |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029050045/http://www.theindependentbd.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=168711%3Apress-note-on-motijheel-reflects-party-views-instead-of-govt-dudu&catid=132%3Abackpage&Itemid=122 |archive-date=29 October 2013 |accessdate=19 May 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="siege">{{cite news|url=http://gulfnews.com/news/world/other-world/radical-islamists-lay-siege-to-dhaka-1.1179391|title=Radical Islamists lay siege to Dhaka|last=Rahman|first=Anisur|date=5 May 2013|newspaper=[[Gulf News]]|accessdate=19 May 2013}}</ref> The government, headed by then [[Prime Minister of Bangladesh|Prime Minister]] [[Sheikh Hasina]] responded to the protests by cracking down on the protesters using a combined force drawn from the [[Bangladesh Police]], [[Rapid Action Battalion]] and paramilitary [[Border Guard Bangladesh]] to drive the protesters out of Shapla Square.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ashraf |first=Shamim |date=6 May 2013 |title=Hefajat men flee Motijheel |url=http://archive.thedailystar.net/beta2/news/security-forces-start-operation/ |newspaper=The Daily Star |accessdate=28 May 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Bangladesh clashes rage over blasphemy law |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia/2013/05/20135510413485449.html |work=Al Jazeera |date=6 May 2013}}</ref><ref name=":13">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-22418379|title=Riot police battle Islamists in Dhaka Bangladesh|work=BBC News|accessdate=21 May 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Govt trashes loss of thousands of lives rumour |url=http://archive.thedailystar.net/beta2/news/govt-trashes-loss-of-thousands-of-lives-rumour/ |newspaper=The Daily Star |agency=UNB |date=10 May 2013 |accessdate=28 May 2014}}</ref>
Following the events at [[Motijheel Thana|Motijheel]], protests in other parts of the country also broke out, during which 27 people died,<ref name="May6_narayanganj_dailyStar">{{cite news |title=27 more killed |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/beta2/news/22-more-killed/ |newspaper=The Daily Star |date=7 May 2013 |accessdate=7 May 2013}}</ref><ref name="May6_Narayaganj_yahoonews">{{cite news |last=Paul |first=Ruma |title=At least 20 dead in Islamist protests in Bangladesh |url=https://news.yahoo.com/death-toll-bangladesh-clashes-rises-20-police-165924074.html |newspaper=Yahoo News |agency=Reuters |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130506191531/http://news.yahoo.com/death-toll-bangladesh-clashes-rises-20-police-165924074.html |archive-date=6 May 2013 |accessdate=7 May 2013}}</ref><ref name="BNS bears Hefajat brunt">{{cite news |title=BNS bears Hefajat brunt |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/beta2/news/bns-bears-hefajat-brunt/ |newspaper=The Daily Star |date=7 May 2013}}</ref> although different sources report casualty numbers ranging from 20 to 61.<ref name="May6_narayanganj_dailyStar" /><ref name="May6_Narayaganj_yahoonews" /><ref name="BNS bears Hefajat brunt" /><ref name=":6" /><ref name="guardian.co.uk">{{cite news |last=Al-Mahmood |first=Syed Zain |date=6 May 2013 |title=Bangladesh protest violence leaves more than 30 people dead |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/may/06/bangladesh-protest-violence-people-dead |newspaper=The Guardian |accessdate=20 May 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Clashes over Islam blasphemy law kill 27 in Bangladesh |url=http://news.msn.com/world/clashes-over-islam-blasphemy-law-kill-27-in-bangladesh |work=[[MSN]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130610011034/http://news.msn.com/world/clashes-over-islam-blasphemy-law-kill-27-in-bangladesh |archive-date=10 June 2013 |accessdate=20 May 2013}}</ref>{{Excessive citations inline|date=July 2025}} [[Human Rights Watch]] and other [[human rights organization]]s put the total death toll at above 50.<ref name="bdnews-001" /><ref name=":0">{{cite web|last1=Hunter |first1=Kyle |title=Blood on the Streets: The Use of Excessive Force During Bangladesh Protests|url=https://www.hrw.org/report/2013/08/01/blood-streets/use-excessive-force-during-bangladesh-protests|accessdate=26 December 2016|website=Human Rights Watch |date=August 2013 }}</ref> Initial attempts to dispute the chain of events were thwarted due to the government closure of two television channels, [[Diganta Television]] and [[Islamic TV]], which were live telecasting the operation.<ref name=":12" /><ref name=":9">{{cite news|url=http://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2013/05/06/diganta-islamic-tv-taken-off-air|title=Diganta, Islamic TV taken off air|date=6 May 2013|newspaper=bdnews24.com}}</ref>
==Background==
=== 13 point demand === In early 2013, [[Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh|Hefajat-e Islam]] emerged as a [[Advocacy group|pressure group]] composed of [[Madrasa|madrassah]] teachers and students,<ref name=":8">{{Cite journal |date=16 March 2015 |title=Civil & Political Rights In Bangladesh |url=https://www.achrweb.org/reports/bangla/CCPR-Bangladesh2015-02.pdf |journal=Asian Centre for Human Rights |volume=1 |pages=37 |access-date=8 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309133627/http://www.achrweb.org/reports/bangla/CCPR-Bangladesh2015-02.pdf |archive-date=9 March 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref> led by [[Shah Ahmad Shafi]], rector of [[Al-Jamiatul Ahlia Darul Ulum Moinul Islam|Hathazari Madrasah]].<ref name="Islamists" /> The group became particularly active after allegations surfaced that some protesters in the [[2013 Shahbag protests|Shahbag protests]] were involved in the publishing of content offensive to [[Muslims]] on blogs,<ref name=":02">{{cite web |url=http://www.bdinn.com/articles/hefazat-e-islam-explains-the-13-points-demands/ |title=Hefazat-e-Islam explains the 13 points demands |website=Bangladesh Independent News Network |access-date=12 March 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819012848/http://bdinn.com/articles/hefazat-e-islam-explains-the-13-points-demands/ |archive-date=19 August 2014}}</ref> including the depiction of [[Muhammad]] as a [[Pornographic Actor|pornographic character]].<ref name=":7" /> On 6 April 2013, its supporters made a long-march to promote their 13-point charter, which included:<ref name="Islamists" /><ref>{{cite news |title=Ganajagaran vows to resist Hefazat hartal |url=http://theindependentbd.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=163598:ganajagaran-vows-to-resist-hefazat-hartal&catid=129:frontpage&Itemid=121 |newspaper=The Independent |location=Dhaka |date=7 April 2013 |access-date=26 October 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130820154457/http://theindependentbd.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=163598:ganajagaran-vows-to-resist-hefazat-hartal&catid=129:frontpage&Itemid=121 |archive-date=20 August 2013}}</ref> * Restoration the phrase "Complete faith and trust in the Almighty Allah" in the nation's constitution; * Enact a [[blasphemy law]];<ref name=":1">{{cite journal |date=July 2013 |title=The Dhaka Massacre of 6 May 2013: A Briefing |url=http://deshrights.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/dhakamassacre_final.pdf |journal=Desh Rights |volume=1 |page=1 |access-date=26 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140728175210/http://deshrights.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/dhakamassacre_final.pdf |archive-date=28 July 2014}}</ref><ref name=":13" /> * Taking measures for punishment of "atheist [[bloggers]]" who led the [[Shahbagh]] [[Social movement|movement]], and against anti-Islam activists who made "derogatory remarks" against the [[Muhammad]];<ref name="hefajate-islam">{{Cite web |url=http://hefajate-islam.org/?p=159 |title=Allama Shafi hopes to end all confusion Hefazat-e-Islam explains the 13 points demands |access-date=12 March 2015 |website=Hefajat e Islam Bangladesh |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402133517/http://hefajate-islam.org/?p=159 |archive-date=2 April 2015}}</ref> * Stopping "infiltration of all 'alien-culture', in the name of individual's freedom of expression, including free mixing of male and female" and candle lighting. Stopping harassment of women, open fornication and adultery, [[sexual harassment]], all forms of violence against women and an end to the tradition of [[dowry]]; * Make Islamic education mandatory from primary to higher secondary levels, cancelling the women's, and anti-religion, education policy; * Declaration of [[Ahmadiyyas]] as non-Muslim;<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> * Stopping the erection of statues to be popularly venerated, such as by the placement of flowers;<ref name="hefajate-islam" /> * Lifting government restrictions on access to mosques across the country, including [[Baitul Mukarram National Mosque]];<ref name="hefajate-islam" /> * Stopping [[Islamophobia|Islamophobic]] content in media;<ref name=":1" /> * Stopping activities by NGOs in the [[Chittagong Hill Tracts]] where Hefazat feared a "foreign conspiracy" to make a separate [[Christian state]] in that area;<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-127788 |title=Unknown Islamist group flexes its muscles in Ctg |date=25 February 2010 |work=[[The Daily Star (Bangladesh)|The Daily Star]] |access-date=12 January 2017}}</ref> * Stop the [[extrajudicial killing]] of [[ulema]];<ref name=":0" /> * Stopping the harassment of teachers and students of [[Qawmi]] [[madrassas]] and [[ulema]];<ref name=":0" /> * Release of all [[ulema]], and [[madrassa]] students, that had been arrested and the withdrawal of all cases filed against them, compensation for the victims, and bringing the assailants to justice.
The government responded by saying that it had "already met" many of the group's demands. This included the arrest of four bloggers for making derogatory comments against Muhammad.<ref name=":13" />
=== Human Rights Watch warning === On 3 May 2013, [[Human Rights Watch]] issued warnings, based on information obtained from diplomatic missions regarding an imminent government crackdown, to security forces against committing excesses in the planned upcoming protests.<ref name=":12">{{cite news|url=http://www.weeklyholiday.net/homepage/pages/UserHome.aspx?ID=2&date=05/10/2013|title=Motijheel massacre spawns unintended consequences|date=10 May 2013|publisher=Weekly Holiday|issue=1|agency=Weekly Holiday|accessdate=17 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118050147/http://www.weeklyholiday.net/homepage/pages/UserHome.aspx?ID=2&date=05%2F10%2F2013|archive-date=18 January 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> It also urged the government to appoint an independent commission to investigate the [[2013 Bangladesh violence after ICT verdict|killing of civilians since February]], and prosecute those responsible for unlawful killings and use of force.<ref name=":12" />
== Protests ==
=== 5 May === [[Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh|Hefazat-e-Islam]] organized a protest on 5 May demanding a trial of "atheist bloggers",<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-22049408|title=Bangladesh Islamists rally against bloggers|date=6 April 2013|work=BBC News}}</ref> and new legislation for the punishment for [[blasphemy]].<ref name="Islamists" /><ref name="Weekend Independent" /><ref name="siege" /> On 5 May 2013, Hefazat activists blockaded all six entrance routes to [[Dhaka]] from dawn.<ref name=":7" />
At noon, with the permission of [[Dhaka Metropolitan Police]] (DMP), activists entered [[Dhaka]] and started moving towards [[Baitul Mukarram|Baitul Mukarram Mosque]] to attend a prayer service.<ref name=":7" /> However, activists of Hefazat-e- Islam were attacked en route by armed [[Awami League]] activists, who were using the [[Gulistan, Dhaka|Gulistan Road]] to reach Shapla Square.<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":0" /> In self defense, Hefazat activists counterattacked with bricks.<ref name=":7" /> During the clashes, two television journalists were injured, apparently by Hefazat protesters.<ref name=":7" /><ref>{{cite news |title=2 scribes beaten up by Hifazat |url=http://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2013/05/05/2-scribes-beaten-up-by-hifazat |newspaper=bdnews24.com |date=5 May 2013}}</ref> At about 3:00 pm, while Hefazat leaders were delivering speeches, the Secretary General of the Awami League, [[Sayed Ashraful Islam]], demanded, via press conference, that they leave [[Dhaka]].<ref name="bdnews-001" /> The opposition party, [[Bangladesh Nationalist Party]] (BNP) countered by asserting that Hefazat members had a democratic right to assemble and articulate their cause.<ref name=":7" /> During the unrest, Hefazat protesters allegedly attacked the offices of the [[Communist Party of Bangladesh]] at [[Motijheel]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Hifazat men burn CPB office |url=http://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2013/05/05/hifazat-men-burn-cpb-office |newspaper=[[bdnews24.com]] |date=5 May 2013 |accessdate=5 May 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=How could they do it? |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/beta2/news/how-could-they-do-it/ |newspaper=The Daily Star |date=7 May 2013}}</ref> Hefazat claimed that their workers were unarmed and had come under attack by the police and [[Bangladesh Chhatra League]] activists at [[Gulistan, Dhaka|Gulistan]], [[Paltan|Purana Paltan]] and [[Baitul Mukarram]], and in front of the Communist Party offices.<ref name=":12" /> Hefazat supporters reportedly vandalized at least 50 vehicles and several buildings during their rally.<ref>{{cite news |title=Hifazat sets vehicles on fire |url=http://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2013/05/05/hifazat-sets-vehicles-on-fire |newspaper=bdnews24.com |date=5 May 2013}}</ref> They violently attacked others in front of the [[Awami League]] headquarters at [[Paltan]], [[Dhaka]], and allegedly set fire to a number of book stores near the [[Baitul Mukarram|Baitul Mukarram mosque]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Hifazat burns Quran, Hadith in blind rage |url=http://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2013/05/06/hifazat-burns-quran-hadith-in-blind-rage |newspaper=bdnews24.com |date=6 May 2013}}</ref>
=== 6 May === By nightfall, many of the demonstrators had left the city, but about 50,000- 70,000 still remained in [[Shapla Square]].<ref name="guardian.co.uk" /> After 10 pm, Prime Minister [[Sheikh Hasina]] reportedly gave the initial order to launch an operation at Shapla Square. Acting on that directive, law enforcement agencies cut electricity at 1:45 am and launched a coordinated crackdown, leaving one exit open.<ref name=":16">{{Cite web |title='Hasina ordered Shapla Chattar massacre,' reveals ICT Investigation |url=https://observerbd.com/news/567626 |access-date=2026-04-24 |website=observerbd.com |language=bn}}</ref> Hefazat members held prayers at the square and were addressed by their leaders.<ref name=":0" /> At around 2.15 am on 6 May, security forces cut power to the area.<ref name=":8" /> At 2:30 a.m. about 5000 members of the security forces launched "'''Operation Shapla'''", or "'''Operation Flash Out'''",<ref name=":7" /> to remove them.<ref name="guardian.co.uk" /> The forces included members of the [[Bangladesh Police]], [[Rapid Action Battalion|RAB]], and [[Border Guards Bangladesh|BGB]].<ref name=":7" /> At first, they used megaphones, asking the protesters to leave the area peacefully. Then, moving in from three directions via Dainik Bangla, Fakirapool and the [[Bangladesh Bank Building|Bangladesh Bank intersection]], security forces used [[tear gas]], [[Rubber bullet|rubber bullets]], and [[Stun grenade|sound grenades]] to disperse the demonstrators.<ref name=":7" /> Most fled the area, but others hid in side streets and buildings, where they were shot down by security forces.<ref name=":0" /> Hefazat alleged that the bodies were then picked up by [[garbage truck]]s and dumped outside the city.<ref name=":0" /> Ahmad Shafi was escorted away from a madrassa in Dhaka and flown to [[Chittagong]].<ref name="Islamists" />The police insisted he was not arrested but was leaving voluntarily.<ref name="Islamists" />
On the following morning, the protests spread across the country. In [[Narayanganj]], students and teachers of a local madrasa held protests and blockaded the [[Dhaka-Chittagong Highway|Dhaka-Chittagong highway]]. In return, [[Bangladesh Police|police]] fired on the protesters, killing 27.<ref name="May6_narayanganj_dailyStar" /> In [[Hathazari Upazila]], six people were shot dead by police, while in [[Bagerhat]], a Hefazat member died in a clash between protesters and police.<ref name="May6_narayanganj_dailyStar" />
==Casualties== According to government estimates, the number of casualties in this operation was 11, including a few law enforcement members,<ref name=bdnews-001>{{cite news |title=HRW rebuts genocide claim |url=http://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2013/05/11/hrw-rebuts-genocide-claim |newspaper=[[bdnews24.com]] |date=11 May 2013 |accessdate=26 October 2013}}</ref> while the [[The Daily Star (Bangladesh)|Daily Star]] reported 5 deaths.<ref name=":12" /> Opposition parties initially claimed that 2000- 3000 of protesters had been killed,<ref name=":0" /> while Hefazat claimed about 1000 deaths.<ref name=":12" /> [[Human Rights Watch]] disagreed with Hefazat's claims.<ref name=bdnews-001/>
Some victims were bystanders, including a number of shopkeepers near the [[Baitul Mukarram]], while most were Hefazat supporters, including children, who were killed by a blow to the head or gunshot wounds.<ref name=":0" /> Doctors at the [[Dhaka Medical College and Hospital|Dhaka Medical College Hospital]] confirmed that many of those dead had been shot in the head.<ref name="guardian.co.uk" /> One policeman was also attacked in reprisal.<ref name=":2" /> According to Human Rights Watch, eyewitnesses saw 25-30 bodies that were confirmed dead.<ref name=":0" /> This included British activist and journalist [[David Bergman (journalist)|David Bergman]], who saw 24 bodies.<ref name=":5">{{Cite news|url=https://ceasefiremagazine.co.uk/who-massacre-investigated-bangladesh-2013-massacre/|title='Who said this would be investigated?' Bangladesh and the May 2013 Massacre|date=5 May 2014|publisher=Ceasefire Magazine|access-date=26 December 2016}}</ref><ref name=":3" /> ''[[The Guardian]]'' reported 22 confirmed deaths,<ref name="guardian.co.uk" /> while an investigation conducted by [[Al Jazeera Media Network|Aljazeera]] revealed that 14 bodies of "bearded men" with gunshot wounds were buried, after the protests, at Dhaka's state-run cemetery.<ref name=":4">{{cite news|title=Video suggests higher Bangladesh protest toll|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia/2013/05/2013514143842666992.html|accessdate=26 December 2016|agency=[[Al Jazeera English|Aljazeera]]|publisher=[[Al Jazeera English|Aljazeera]]|date=14 May 2013}}</ref> Human rights group Odhikar reported 61 deaths, but refused to reveal the names of the victims out of security concerns for their families.<ref name=":7" /> The [[Home Office|UK Home Office]] estimates a total of no fewer than total of 50 deaths.<ref name=":11">{{cite journal |date=February 2015 |title=Country Information and Guidance Bangladesh: Opposition to the government |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/565489/CIG-BGD-Political-opponents-v1-February-2015.pdf |journal=UK Home Office |page=11 |accessdate=11 January 2017}}</ref> Many individuals, including orphan children, were missing, which may have contributed to the discrepancies in casualties.<ref name=":7" />
Because of the differing views, [[Human Rights Watch]] called for an independent body to investigate the protest deaths.<ref name=":2">{{cite web |url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2013/05/10/bangladesh-independent-body-should-investigate-protest-deaths |title=Bangladesh: Independent Body Should Investigate Protest Deaths |date=11 May 2013 |website=[[Human Rights Watch]] |location=New York |accessdate=25 August 2013}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{cite news |last1=Bergman |first1=David |last2=Nelson |first2=Dean |date=6 May 2013 |title=36 killed in Dhaka as Islamic militants clash with police |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/bangladesh/10039795/36-killed-in-Dhaka-as-Islamic-militants-clash-with-police.html |newspaper=The Telegraph |location=London |accessdate=21 May 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Clashes over Bangladesh protest leave 27 dead |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-22423815 |work=BBC News |accessdate=21 May 2013}}</ref> [[Amnesty International]] demanded that [[Bangladesh government]] set up an independent and impartial investigation immediately to look into police excesses.<ref name=":14">{{cite news|url=http://www.weeklyholiday.net/homepage/pages/UserHome.aspx?ID=3&date=05/10/2013#Tid=4870|title=Amnesty wants neutral probe into Motijheel crackdown|date=10 May 2013|publisher=Weekly Holiday|issue=1|agency=Weekly Holiday|accessdate=17 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118050835/http://www.weeklyholiday.net/homepage/pages/UserHome.aspx?ID=3&date=05%2F10%2F2013#Tid=4870|archive-date=18 January 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
On 19 August 2024, the organization [[Odhikar]] released a list of 61 individuals who were killed by law enforcement during the protests.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/355345/hefazat-rally-in-shapla-chattar-odhikar-publishes|title=Hefazat rally in Shapla Chattar: Odhikar publishes list of killed people|website=[[Dhaka Tribune]]|date=19 August 2024}}</ref>
On 6 May 2025, [[Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh]] published a list of 93 individuals who were killed during the event.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2013 Shapla Chattar massacre: Hefazat publishes list of 93 victims |url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/380404/hefazat-publishes-list-of-93-allegedly-killed-at |access-date=2025-05-06 |website=Dhaka Tribune |language=en}}</ref>
== Censorship == [[Diganta Television|Diganta TV]] and [[Islamic TV]]<nowiki/>were broadcasting live footage of the raid on Motijheel when they were forced off-air on the dawn of 6 May.<ref name=":9" /> Diganta Television's chief reporter M. Kamruzzaman said that around 25 plain-clothed policemen and an official from the broadcast commission had entered their studios without warning.<ref name="Islamists" /> According to the [[Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission]] (BTRC), the channels' reporting on raid on [[Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh]] contained "exaggerated things, (had) given misinformation and called for breaking the law and attacking the law enforcers."<ref name=":10">{{cite news|url=http://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/2013/may/06/govt-closes-2-tv-networks|title=Govt closes 2 TV networks|date=6 May 2013|last2=Karim|first2=Mohosinul|newspaper=Dhaka Tribune|last3=Islam|first3=Muhammad Zahidul|access-date=12 December 2015|last1=Salam|first1=Maria}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://archive.thedailystar.net/beta2/news/diganta-islamic-tv-off-air/|title=Diganta, Islamic TV off air|date=7 May 2013|newspaper=The Daily Star|access-date=12 December 2015}}</ref> Critics have accused the [[Sheikh Hasina|Sheikh Hasina government]] of using the Islamist issue to silence dissidents.<ref name=":10" />
==Reactions==
===Domestic===
====Government==== In response to the massacre allegations, [[Bangladesh Police|police]] claimed the operation resulted in “zero casualty” while [[Grand Alliance (Bangladesh)|14 party leaders]] claimed it to be "bloodless."<ref name=":14" /> [[Minister of Foreign Affairs (Bangladesh)|Bangladeshi foreign minister]] [[Dipu Moni]] downplayed reports of inaccuracy in government figures and added that "most of the people in the country doesn't even think that there was any controversy with the matter."<ref name=":4" /> On 19 June, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina rejected the allegations, stating in Parliament <blockquote>... and that day's event was fully televised, you have seen how they have rubbed red dye onto their bodies and when police came and called them they got up and ran away ... we saw that dead bodies made a run for it! This kind of drama has been made there.<ref>Parliamentary speech of Sheikh Hasina 19 June 2013 "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoucAYQlQIc"</ref></blockquote>
She also blamed the attack on her arch rival [[Khaleda Zia]], claiming: “She (Khaleda) is the instigator, she is the issuer of order.”<ref name=":14" /> Awami League politicians blamed the [[Bangladesh Nationalist Party|BNP]], [[Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami|Jamaat]] and [[Inter-Services Intelligence|ISI]] of backing the protests.<ref name=":14" /> Hefazat was also criticized for bringing minors, who were also attacked by law enforcement agencies during the operation,<ref>{{cite news |last=Chowdhury |first=Kamran Reza |date=23 May 2013 |title=Lawmakers allergic to word 'Hefazat' |url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/world/23/sports-reflect-deeper-divide-in-ethnic-afghanistan |newspaper=Dhaka Tribune |accessdate=29 May 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Noted personalities express concern |url=http://www.daily-sun.com/details_yes_15-05-2013_Children-in-violent-politics_497_2_5_1_0.html |newspaper=The Daily Sun |location=Dhaka |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140529221919/http://www.daily-sun.com/details_yes_15-05-2013_Children-in-violent-politics_497_2_5_1_0.html |archive-date=29 May 2014 |accessdate=29 May 2014 |quote=May 5 Shapla Chattar grand rally of Hefazat-e-Islam. In TV footages and video clips posted on different social media showed, Hefazat brought a large number of Quami Madrasah students who mostly are below 18 years to the grand rally and siege programmes at six entry points of the capital. After crackdown by the joint forces of BGB, RAB and Police, many panic-stricken children were seen coming out from the pandemonium of the Motijheel Shapla Chattar. Later some participant children told media that they have ever come to the capital and joined the Hefazat programmes on direction of their teachers without knowing details about the programmes.}}</ref> to the protests.<ref name=Child-123>{{cite news |last=Raju |first=Mohammed Norul Alam |date=1 December 2013 |title=Keep the children out of it |url=http://www.dhakatribune.com/op-ed/2013/dec/01/keep-children-out-it |newspaper=[[Dhaka Tribune]] |accessdate=29 May 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Islam |first=Zyma |date=11 January 2014 |title=Child Act-2013: A milestone not without shortcomings |url=http://childrights.thedailystar.net/2014/01/child-act-2013-a-milestone-not-without-shortcomings/ |work=Promoting Child Rights |publisher=The Daily Star |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140414193931/http://childrights.thedailystar.net/2014/01/child-act-2013-a-milestone-not-without-shortcomings/ |archive-date=14 April 2014 |accessdate=29 May 2014}}</ref>
==== Opposition ==== The opposition [[Bangladesh Nationalist Party]] compared the attacks to the [[Operation Searchlight|Pakistani crackdown on 25 March]] and [[Jallianwala Bagh massacre|Jalianwala Bagh massacres]].<ref name=":12" /> BNP leader [[M. K. Anwar|M.K. Anwar]] called it a "disastrous killing."<ref name=":14" /> In response, the [[Detective Branch]] of Bangladesh Police raided the houses of BNP convener [[Sadeque Hossain Khoka]] and [[Bangladesh Jatiya Party – BJP|Bangladesh Jatiya Party]] chairman [[Andaleeve Rahman|Andaleeve Rahman Partha]].<ref name=":14" />
==== Hefazat-e-Islam ==== While some Hefzat activists vowed "revenge" after the killings,<ref name=":12" /> Hefazat ''[[Emir|amir]]'' Shah Ahmad Shafi appealed for calm<ref name=":15">{{cite news|title=Hefazat denies burning Quran allegations|url=http://www.clickittefaq.com/hefazat-denies-burning-quran-allegations/|accessdate=26 December 2016|agency=Ittefaq|publisher=Ittefaq|date=10 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161226215050/http://www.clickittefaq.com/hefazat-denies-burning-quran-allegations/|archive-date=26 December 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> and called a [[general strike]] all over Bangladesh on 12 May 2013.<ref name=":14" />
====Others==== On 10 June 2013, human rights group [[Odhikar]], published a fact finding report claiming 61 deaths,<ref name=":7">{{cite web |url=http://odhikar.org/assembly-of-hefazate-islam-bangladesh-and-human-rights-violations/ |title=Assembly of Hefazate Islam Bangladesh and Human Rights Violations |date=10 June 2013 |website=Odhikar |accessdate=7 August 2014}}</ref> but refused to provide any names of the victims report, citing security concerns for the families of the victims.<ref name=":6">{{cite news |title=Odhikar's Hefajat list under wraps|url=http://archive.thedailystar.net/beta2/news/odhikars-hefajat-list-under-wraps/ |newspaper=The Daily Star |date=18 August 2013 |accessdate=21 May 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Odhikar Report on Hefajat Deaths: Questions aplenty |url=http://news.priyo.com/2013/09/01/odhikar-report-hefajat-deaths-questions-aplenty-84549.html |newspaper=Priyo News |date=1 September 2013 |accessdate=21 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140521124207/http://news.priyo.com/2013/09/01/odhikar-report-hefajat-deaths-questions-aplenty-84549.html |archive-date=21 May 2014 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref> The Ain O Shalish Kendro demanded impartial investigation "to deal with them (Hefazat-e-Islam) more strategically and responsibly."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.askbd.org/web/?p=2634|title=ASK Concern of Ongoing Political clashes and Violence Observed on 5 May 2013|website=Ain O Shalish Kendro|accessdate=26 December 2016}}</ref>
===International=== [[UN Secretary-General]] [[Ban Ki-moon]] voiced concern over the killing of unarmed protesters in Bangladesh and requested the government to sit with religious and political leaders.<ref name=":12" /> [[United States Ambassador to Bangladesh|US ambassador]], [[Dan Mozena]], has cautioned that all groups and individuals have rights to protest.<ref name=":12" />
=== Lawsuits === The government filed 12 cases against Hefazat-e Islam leaders for murder, vandalism, arson and destruction of properties and other charges.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2013/05/06/12-cases-against-hifazat-leaders|title=12 cases against Hifazat leaders|date=6 May 2013|newspaper=bdnews24.com}}</ref> Hefazat denies the charges.<ref name=":15" />
On 27 June 2013, Martin F. McMahon & Associates, a US law firm representing two US-based organisations, Human Rights and Development for Bangladesh and Bangladeshi-Americans in Greater Washington DC,<ref>{{cite news|title=Case filed against Sheikh Hasina, 25 others in ICC |url=http://www.english.rtnn.net/?/newsdetail/detail/1/1/54449 |work=Real-time News Network |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130701082629/http://www.english.rtnn.net/?%2Fnewsdetail%2Fdetail%2F1%2F1%2F54449 |archive-date=1 July 2013 |accessdate=23 June 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> filed cases in the [[International Criminal Court]] against 25 Bangladeshi ministers and security officials, including Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for alleged "torture, forced disappearance, extrajudicial executions and mass killings",<ref>{{cite news |title=Complaint filed at ICC against PM, 24 others |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/beta2/news/complaint-filed-at-icc-against-pm-24-others/ |newspaper=The Daily Star |date=30 June 2013 |accessdate=19 July 2013}}</ref> [[Ahmed Ziauddin]], a [[Brussels]] based Bangladeshi lawyer who was accused of influencing the proceedings of [[International Crimes Tribunal (Bangladesh)|Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal]] at the instruction of Bangladesh government,<ref>{{cite magazine |title=The trial of the birth of a nation |url=https://www.economist.com/news/briefing/21568349-week-chairman-bangladeshs-international-crimes-tribunal-resigned-we-explain |magazine=[[The Economist]] |date=15 December 2012 |accessdate=10 April 2013}}</ref> stated- "I am not sure about the objective of it and I am sure those Washington-based organisations have some political motives. They may have been trying to create political hype since filing a complaint in the ICC does not mean proceedings of a case will start immediately"<ref>{{cite news |title=Complaint lodged at ICC accusing Hasina, 24 others |url=http://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/2013/jun/29/complaint-lodged-icc-accusing-hasina-24-others |newspaper=Dhaka Tribune |date=29 June 2013 |accessdate=24 May 2014}}</ref>
On 10 August 2013, police raided the offices of Odhikar and arrested its general secretary, [[Adilur Rahman Khan]]. In a press briefing, police officials said they found the list of 61 deaths and released it to the media.<ref>{{cite news |title=A list riddled with holes |url=http://archive.thedailystar.net/beta2/news/odhikar-list-is-full-of-riddles/ |newspaper=The Daily Star |date=1 September 2013}}</ref> In a press statement, the [[US Department of State]] expressed deep concern over the arrest and demanded his immediate release.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2013/08/213064.htm |title=Detention of Bangladeshi Human Rights Activist Adilur Rahman Khan |author=Marie Harf |date=12 August 2013 |work=US Department of State |accessdate=22 August 2013}}</ref>
== Trial and legacy == After the [[July Uprising]] in 2024, the [[International Crimes Tribunal (Bangladesh)|International Crimes Tribunal]] set up a probe into the 2013 crackdown and massacre at Shapla Square.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-18 |title=Hasina sued in 2013 Shapla Chattar 'mass murder' case |url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/355139/hasina-sued-in-2013-shapla-chattar-%E2%80%98mass-murder%E2%80%99 |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=Dhaka Tribune |language=en }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-20 |title=Hasina, Shahriar Kabir, Imran H Sarker accused of 'genocide' at Shapla Chattar in 2013 |url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/355427/hasina-shahriar-kabir-imran-h-sarker-accused-of |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=Dhaka Tribune |language=en }}</ref> The probed named the then Prime Minister [[Sheikh Hasina]] as the person who directly ordered the massacre.<ref name=":16" /><ref name=":17">{{Cite web |date=2026-04-05 |title=2013 Shapla Chattar killings: Tribunal orders probe report within 2 months against Hasina, 20 others |url=https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/court/2013-shapla-chattar-killings-ict-orders-probe-report-within-2-months-against-hasina |access-date=2026-04-24 |website=The Business Standard |language=en}}</ref> The charges also named [[General Secretary of Awami League|Awami League General Secretary]] [[Obaidul Quader]], former ministers [[Rashed Khan Menon]] and [[Hasan Mahmud (politician)|Hasan Mahmud]], and former [[Dhaka South City Corporation|Dhaka South]] mayor [[Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh]], former [[Adviser to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh|advisers to the Prime Minister]] [[Salman F Rahman]] and [[Tarique Ahmed Siddique]], former army chief [[Aziz Ahmed (general)|Aziz Ahmed]], and several media executives including [[Mozammel Haque Babu]].<ref name=":17" />
In October 2025, the advisor for [[Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives|Local Government and Rural Development]], [[Asif Mahmud|Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan]] provided financial assistance worth Taka 7.7 crore to the families of those killed during the massacre and the [[2021 Bangladesh anti-Modi protests|Anti-Modi protests of 2021.]] He also announced plans to build a memorial at Shapla Square.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tk 7.7cr aid for Shapla, 2021 anti-Modi martyrs' families {{!}} News |url=https://www.bssnews.net/news/322650 |access-date=2026-04-24 |website=BSS}}</ref>
== See also == * [[2013 Shahbag protests]] * [[List of massacres in Bangladesh]]
== References == {{reflist|30em}}
==External links== {{wikiquote}} *{{URL|https://web.archive.org/web/20140530195640/http://1dgy051vgyxh41o8cj16kk7s19f2.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Fact-finding_Hefazate-Islam_English.pdf|Full report}} by [[Odhikar]] * [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tW5oO0qs8x4 Investigative report on Operation Shapla chattar (English sub titled)] by [[Independent Television (Bangladesh)|Independent TV]]
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{{Dhaka|state=collapsed}} {{Bangladesh topics}}
[[Category:2013 Bangladesh violence]] [[Category:Human rights abuses in Bangladesh|Shapla Square protests]] [[Category:Islam in Bangladesh|Shapla Square protests]] [[Category:2013 in Dhaka|Shapla Square protests]] [[Category:Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh]] [[Category:Police brutality in Bangladesh]] [[Category:Premiership of Sheikh Hasina]] [[Category:May 2013 in Bangladesh]]