Dhaka, July 20: A wave of violent protests has swept across Bangladesh as tens of thousands of citizens and university students take to the streets demanding an overhaul of the country’s government job quota system. The demonstrations have resulted in more than 100 deaths, primarily among students, with hundreds more injured.
The unrest began on July 1 at the University of Dhaka and has since spread nationwide. Protesters are voicing their opposition to a quota system that allocates more than half of all government jobs to specific groups, including descendants of those who fought for Bangladesh’s independence from Pakistan. Students and critics argue that the system is outdated and unfair, favoring certain groups over merit-based hiring.
The quota system, established in 1972 by Bangladesh’s founding leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was intended to honor the families of freedom fighters. Over time, the system was expanded to include quotas for women, minorities, and disabled persons. However, the recent reinstatement of the quotas by the Supreme Court in June 2024, after their abolition in 2018, has sparked widespread outrage.
The protests have turned increasingly violent. Members of the Awami League’s student wing have attacked protesters, escalating tensions. In response, the government has deployed police and paramilitary forces, using rubber bullets, sound grenades, and tear gas. Internet services have been restricted to curb coordination among protesters, and educational institutions have been shut down.
On July 19, the violence reached a critical point. Reports indicate that over 100 people, mostly students, have been killed and hundreds more injured. The government has implemented curfews and banned public gatherings in Dhaka. Protests have targeted government buildings, including a national television station, which was set on fire.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has promised a judicial review of the situation and vowed to address student concerns. She announced the formation of a committee to investigate the deaths. However, her earlier comments comparing protesters to “razakars” — a term for collaborators who supported Pakistani forces during the 1971 Liberation War — have further inflamed tensions.
The protests reflect broader economic discontent in Bangladesh, including high inflation, rising unemployment, and dwindling foreign exchange reserves. The government’s handling of the crisis, perceived as politically biased, has contributed to the unrest. The Supreme Court has temporarily suspended the reinstated quotas, with a final decision expected in August.
The crisis has caused significant disruptions across the country. Train services have halted, government websites have been hacked, and public gatherings are banned in Dhaka. Mobile services have been restricted to prevent further organization of protests.
The quota system is deeply intertwined with Bangladesh’s national identity and history. Originally intended to honour the sacrifices of the Liberation War, it has become a contentious issue. Critics argue that while the system was once necessary, it now perpetuates inequality and fails to address current socio-economic challenges.
The situation in Bangladesh remains volatile, with both the government and protesters grappling with complex issues of national identity, historical grievances, and economic reform. The international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that will address both the immediate violence and the underlying issues driving the protests.
