Participants in Bangladesh's anti-discrimination student movement said widespread student-public resistance took shape in Cumilla on August 4, 2024. They said positions strengthened from the morning around Kotbari Bishwaroad, Alekhar Char Bishwaroad, Jhagurjhuli and nearby areas. In a report published on August 4, 2026, movement-linked sources described the day's events as a turning point for the movement in Cumilla and said they helped create the backdrop for political change the following day.

According to activists, a procession moved from the Cumilla Cantonment area toward Alekhar Char Bishwaroad at about 11 a.m., where clashes occurred. They alleged that Awami League, Jubo League and Chhatra League activists opened fire, escalating tensions. Eyewitnesses and participants said the army initially observed the situation before moving toward the scene with armored vehicles.

They said protesters gained confidence after the army took positions in the area around midday, and student-public control was later established in Alekhar Char Bishwaroad, Jhagurjhuli and Kotbari Bishwaroad. Lawmaker Haji Jasim Uddin and Cumilla metropolitan BNP president Udbatul Bari Abu also said they received army cooperation. Movement convener Abu Rayhan called the day historic for Cumilla.