DHAKA, Bangladesh: The violence that erupted in Bangladesh in response to controversial employment quotas has led to over 2,500 arrests, with the death toll reaching at least 174, including several police officers, according to news agency.
The unrest began as student protests against politicized admission quotas for government jobs intensified, marking some of the most severe unrest during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s tenure.
The demonstrations quickly escalated into widespread chaos, prompting the imposition of a curfew, a nationwide internet blackout, and the deployment of soldiers across the country. The Supreme Court’s decision on Sunday to reduce the number of reserved jobs for specific groups, including descendants of “freedom fighters” from Bangladesh’s 1971 liberation war, did little to quell the unrest.
Despite a 48-hour pause in protests by the leading student group, Students Against Discrimination, the situation remained tense. The group’s leader, who was recently abducted and beaten, expressed grave concerns for his safety, and several leaders were reported missing. Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus has called on global leaders and the United Nations to intervene and end the violence, highlighting the severe humanitarian impact.
The government’s response has faced significant criticism. US Ambassador Peter Haas noted concerns over the presentation of biased information by the Bangladeshi government during diplomatic briefings. The violence has led to the arrest of individuals across various regions, including Dhaka, Narayanganj, Gazipur, and Rangpur, exacerbating the country’s already strained job market, where approximately 18 million young people are unemployed.
The controversy surrounding the employment quotas, which were reintroduced in June after a hiatus since 2018, has sparked widespread discontent among graduates facing a severe job crisis. Although the Supreme Court’s reduction of the quota from 56% to 7% has been seen as a partial concession, it has not fully addressed the protesters’ demands.
As the unrest continues, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina remains resolute, asserting that she will not retreat despite mounting pressure and criticism. The ongoing violence underscores deepening frustrations with the current administration and raises questions about the future stability of Bangladesh.
