On January 1, 1973, independent Bangladesh witnessed its first recorded instance of police opening fire on a student protest, resulting in the deaths of two young protesters—Matiul Islam (21) and Mirza Kaderul Islam (17). The protest was part of a broader demonstration against United States military aggression in Vietnam.
The protest took place amid a global wave of anti-war mobilizations during the 1960s and 1970s opposing the Vietnam War. In Bangladesh, growing anti-imperialist sentiment had led to calls for the government to formally condemn U.S. actions in Vietnam. However, the government did not issue such a condemnation, and public anger intensified, including acts of protest targeting institutions associated with the United States.
In this context, January 1, 1973, was observed as “Vietnam Solidarity Day.” Protesters gathered at Battala and organized a march toward the United States Embassy in Dhaka, intending to submit a memorandum demanding an end to the bombing in Vietnam. As the procession moved from Motijheel and approached the U.S. Information Centre near the Press Club, police opened fire on the demonstrators without reported warning.
The shooting resulted in the deaths of Matiul Islam and Mirza Kaderul Islam, while many others sustained injuries. The incident marked a significant moment in the history of student-led political mobilization and state response in post-independence Bangladesh.
In 2001, the Government of Vietnam formally honored Matiul Islam with national recognition. In Bangladesh, January 1 continues to be observed as “Anti-Imperialism Day” in remembrance of the protest and those killed.
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