Bangladesh’s university campuses erupted in protest on July 14, 2024, after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina referred to students demanding reform of the government job quota system as 'children of collaborators' during a press conference. The remark, seen as legitimizing suppression of the movement, triggered widespread outrage among students. Demonstrations broke out across major universities, including Dhaka and Chittagong, where violent clashes occurred between protesters and members of the banned Chhatra League. Internet access was cut off at Dhaka University, and students reported being blocked from leaving dormitories.

Student groups organized spontaneous rallies through social media, gathering at Dhaka University’s Raju Memorial Sculpture and chanting slogans demanding merit-based recruitment. Three Dhaka University Chhatra League leaders resigned in solidarity with the protesters. At Chittagong University, at least two students were injured in late-night attacks. Similar demonstrations spread to Jagannath University and other campuses.

Under the banner of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, students issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the government, demanding quota reform and withdrawal of police cases against protesters. Marches and memorandum submissions to the president were held nationwide, marking a new phase in the quota reform movement.