At Least 5 Dead in Bangladesh as Students Clash with Police Over Job Reservations

Ankita Jain

1 week ago

At Least 5 Dead in Bangladesh as Students Clash with Police Over Job Reservations

Students in Bangladesh are protesting against the government’s job quota system, which reserves a significant portion of public sector positions for specific groups. The protests have turned violent, resulting in at least 5 deaths so far.

The key points are:

Quota System Controversy

Bangladesh’s government reserves 56% of public sector jobs for various quotas, including 30% for families of 1971 independence war veterans, 10% for women, 10% for underdeveloped districts, 5% for indigenous communities, and 1% for people with disabilities.
Students argue these quotas are discriminatory and that jobs should be allocated based on merit rather than these set-asides.
The quota system was previously stopped in 2018 after mass student protests, but was later reinstated by a court order, sparking the current unrest.

Violent Clashes with Police

Tens of thousands of students have taken part in nationwide protests, blocking roads and highways, and clashing violently with police and pro-government student groups.
Police have used tear gas, rubber bullets, and batons to disperse the crowds, leading to numerous injuries and at least 5 confirmed deaths so far.

Economic Factors and Dissatisfaction with Government

The protests reflect broader discontent with the government, as the economy struggles with high youth unemployment, inflation, and a lack of job opportunities in the private sector.
Many see the quota system as benefiting supporters of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s ruling party, further fueling anger among students.
The crackdown on the protests has drawn international criticism, with concerns raised over the government’s authoritarian tendencies and suppression of democratic rights.

In summary, Bangladeshi students are protesting the reinstatement of a controversial job quota system that they view as discriminatory, while also expressing broader dissatisfaction with the government’s economic policies and authoritarian rule. The situation has escalated into violent confrontations with security forces, resulting in multiple casualties.