Last Updated on 19/07/2024 by wccexam Desk
The ongoing student protests in Bangladesh over a controversial government job quota system have taken a violent turn, leaving at least 30 people dead and thousands injured in clashes with police. In response, the government has imposed a nationwide mobile internet shutdown and temporarily closed universities across the country.
The protests, which began on Monday at Dhaka University, have quickly spread to other cities, with students demanding the abolition of the quota system that reserves a significant portion of government jobs for descendants of the 1971 independence war veterans. They argue that the system is discriminatory and benefits supporters of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s ruling party.
On Thursday alone, at least 19 people were killed in the protests, with the majority of the deaths reported in the capital, Dhaka. Protesters clashed with police and activists from the ruling Awami League party, leading to a chaotic scene on the usually congested streets of the city. Numerous students were injured, including a 10-year-old who was hit by 12 pellets.
The violence has also claimed lives in other parts of the country, such as Narayanganj and Chittagong. Among the victims are 15-year-old Tahmid Tamim, 22-year-old M Imon Mia, and 18-year-old Mohammad Imad from Potiya Government College Higher Secondary in Chittagong.
In a bid to curb the protests, the government has taken drastic measures, including suspending mobile internet services nationwide and temporarily closing universities. The information minister cited “rumors” and an “unstable situation” on social media as the reason for the internet blackout.
The government has also expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with the protesters, with Law Minister Anisul Huq reiterating their readiness to discuss quota reform. However, student leaders have rejected these offers, arguing that negotiations cannot take place until their core concerns are addressed.
The protests have taken on a political dimension, with the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its student wing calling for marches to protest the government’s handling of the situation. The ruling party, in turn, has accused the BNP of instigating chaos and has conducted raids on the party’s headquarters, resulting in arrests.
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As the unrest continues, the international community has expressed concern over the situation. The U.N. Human Rights chief has emphasized the need for investigations into the violence and the upholding of the rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.
With the death toll expected to rise and the government’s measures seemingly failing to quell the protests, it remains unclear if a peaceful resolution can be reached. The student leaders have vowed to continue their demonstrations until their demands are met, raising concerns about further violence and instability in Bangladesh.