On 23 July 2026, the anti-discrimination student movement demanding reform of the government job quota system gave the government a 48-hour ultimatum to accept four urgent demands. The announcement was made at a press conference at the Dhaka Reporters Unity by coordinator Sarjis Alam. The demands included restoring full internet access, lifting the nationwide curfew, removing law enforcement from campuses and reopening residential halls, and ensuring the safety of movement coordinators. Students declared they would not join further talks until these conditions were met.

That night, police and ruling party activists reportedly raided student dormitories and apartments, arresting many. Over 1,100 people were detained nationwide in the previous 24 hours, with more than 3,000 arrests over the week. The government issued a notification implementing a 93% merit and 7% quota system following a court order. Editors and publishers expressed concern over violence against journalists and urged impartial investigations. Limited broadband service resumed in Dhaka and Chattogram after six days of internet blackout.

The ongoing crackdown and communication restrictions severely disrupted daily life and fueled public discontent, with reports of fear and insecurity spreading among students and families.