Bangladesh is engulfed in chaos as fierce clashes between protesters and pro-government supporters have resulted in 93 deaths, including 14 policemen. The unrest stems from student-led demonstrations against a controversial government job quota system. The High Court’s reinstatement of the quotas ha
On Sunday, August 4, Bangladesh witnessed severe clashes leading to the deaths of at least 93 people, including 14 policemen, as tensions escalated across various cities. The conflict arose from a series of student-led demonstrations demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The turmoil began after the Bangladesh High Court reinstated a controversial quota system for government jobs.
Background of the Protests:
- On June 5, 2024, the Bangladesh High Court declared the 2018 abolition of quotas for government jobs, reserved for descendants of independence war veterans, illegal.
- The reinstatement of the quota system led to immediate student protests.
- Multiple universities saw the rise of a decentralized movement opposing the High Court’s verdict.
- The Bangladeshi Supreme Court’s Appellate Division later intervened, scaling back the quota system to only seven percent of government positions, with five percent reserved for liberation war descendants.
Events Leading to the Clashes:
- Sunday, the first day of the non-cooperation movement, saw tens of thousands of protesters taking to the streets.
- Protesters called for Prime Minister Hasina’s resignation and urged citizens to boycott taxes, utility bills, and work.
- The government declared a three-day public holiday starting Monday to ensure public safety.
- A long march to Dhaka was announced by the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement.
- An indefinite curfew was imposed from 6 pm on Sunday.
Casualties and Government Response:
- Local media reported that 93 people were killed, with 14 policemen among the deceased.
- The government’s response included declaring the public holiday and imposing the curfew to curb the violence.
- The unrest reflects deep-seated tensions over the quota system and broader political grievances.
- The student-led protests have significantly escalated the political crisis in Bangladesh.