KATHMANDU, July 17: For the past few days, various cities in Bangladesh have witnessed violent protests. At least six people have died and scores others are injured as young government supporters and police clashed with students protesting against a new quota system for government jobs introduced by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government. This system reserves jobs for the children of 1971 war veterans.
On Monday, over 100 people were injured in rallies that blocked major highways and rail links, prompting tens of thousands of students to join nationwide protests, which continued into Wednesday. In response to the violence, all schools and universities have been closed until further notice.
In Bangladesh, 56 percent of government jobs are reserved under various quotas. Only 44 percent of first- and second-class government jobs are merit-based under the existing reservation system. The remaining 56 percent are reserved for specific communities: 30 percent for the children and grandchildren of freedom fighters, 10 percent for women, 10 percent for people from underdeveloped districts, 5 percent for ethnic minorities, and 1 percent for people with physical disabilities.
While job opportunities in the private sector have increased significantly in Bangladesh, many still view government jobs as stable and lucrative, with about 3,000 posts available each year for nearly 400,000 graduates. The anti-quota protesters are demanding the abolition of the 30 percent quota for children of freedom fighters. They support reserving jobs for ethnic minorities and people with disabilities.
Heed the medical students
Protesters argue that the quotas are discriminatory and should be merit-based, claiming the current system benefits groups supporting Hasina. Prime Minister Hasina has defended the quotas, emphasizing the respect owed to war veterans for their sacrifices in 1971. The protest intensified after Hasina referred to quota opponents as "razakar," a term used for alleged collaborators with the Pakistani army during the 1971 war.
These protests are the first significant challenge to Prime Minister Hasina since she secured a fourth term in January in an election boycotted by opposition parties. The students, primarily university attendees, are protesting against the 30 percent government job quota for families of 1971 War of Independence veterans amidst high youth unemployment.
Riot police have been deployed to university campuses across the country to manage the unrest. According to local media, police and the governing party’s student wing have attacked the protesters. So far, six deaths have been confirmed, with over 60 injuries reported in the capital. The paramilitary Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) force has been deployed in five major cities, including Dhaka and Chittagong.
On Tuesday, protesters gathered in front of the university vice chancellor’s residence, accusing the Bangladesh Chhatra League, the student wing of the ruling Awami League, of attacking their peaceful protests. Clashes have also occurred between protesters and Awami League supporters in various areas, including Dhaka, as students blocked major highways and rail links.
The quotas were initially stopped following mass student protests in 2018, but last month, the High Court ordered their reinstatement, sparking new demonstrations. The High Court on June 5 ordered the reinstatement of the 30 percent quota for children of freedom fighters, deeming the 2018 abolition of quotas illegal. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had abolished the quota system after massive protests.
Last week, students from Dhaka University blocked major intersections and the police precinct in Shahbagh, a popular square in Dhaka. The student-led blockade of Shahbagh square continued for days. Recently, the Supreme Court halted the High Court's order for four weeks and urged protesting students to return to classes, promising a decision within that period. But the agitating students are not convinced to return to their classes.
Keeping the tense situation in mind, the Embassy of Nepal in Bangladesh has urged Nepali nationals including students not to venture outside their residence until it is absolutely necessary. The embassy has also urged the students and others to keep their personal safety in priority.
With inputs from various news agencies.
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