A United Nations report states that the government deployed armed paramilitary forces—including RAB, BGB, and Ansar/VDP battalions—long before the July protests escalated into violence. The report claims that the deployment aimed to suppress protests through military intervention and the use of lethal force. Between July 15 and August 5, security forces and armed Awami League supporters engaged in widespread violence, allegedly to maintain power at any cost. According to the report, Sheikh Hasina recognized the potential threat to her government early in July and took decisive measures to quash opposition through force.