“Our main demand for logical reforms to the government job quota system has been met,”
The Bangladesh government banned the Jamaat-e-Islami party, the young wing of the political party, its student wing, Islami Chhatra Shibir and allied groups on July 29, 2024. The Jamaat-e-Islami party was categorized as “Militant and Terrorist” organizations as they were accused of political violence because after weeks of violent protest that left over 200 people dead and thousands injured, this action was taken in a significant step against political violence.
Political Repression
In Bangladesh, Protest was claimed by students over a government job quota system, which grew more violent and destructive by students and its associated groups. The quota system for the government job, which many believe that it privileges the children of freedom fighters, who fought for the Bangladesh independence in 1971, this made unfair by the population in Bangladesh were a major catalyst for the turmoil that followed.
The protest escalated into an extreme brutal violence between students, government armed police and more than hundred people involved against the civil services job quota opportunities which is discriminatory. The attack took place in the streets and university campus in Dhaka, the serious attack of demonstrators set fire to vehicles close to the Disaster Management Directorate office that grew the security challenges.
Bangladesh’s Prime Ministry Sheikh Hasina blamed the Jamaat-e-Islamic for the attacks were imposed as anti – terrorism and its student wing, were inciting violence during the student protest against government job quota system. The Chief of Jamaat -e- Islamic rejected calling it anti – constitutional.
Freedom of Expression and Government stance
The student protested in order to improve the job opportunities in a democratic way, were the political activity severely affected the residents and civilians, inequality has widened. In a nation of 170 million people, more than 30 million are not working, even they lack in the education. The freedom of expression to protest against the law, which were considered a serious threat to the nation’s security since 200 people were killed and thousands of them got arrested by the police due to severe violations and attacks.
The protest demanding an end to the government quota system, where more than half of civil service job opportunities for certain groups. The protesters explaining that the country’s political elites are mostly related to the relatives of the 1971 freedom fighters, this made high unemployment among the civilians. They claim that they have been two generations after the independence and though the freedom fighter sacrificed a lot for the nation, which is in the past and upcoming generations cannot claim such restrictions.
Due to high unemployment pressure, the demonstration became violent between security forces, protesters and government supporters have escalated with the paramilitary Rapid Action Battalion, which was sanctioned by the United States in 2021 after “widespread allegations of serious human rights abuses”. The protesters expected an apology from their Prime Ministry for comparing the protesters to traitors since she accused calling the protesters reportedly “razakar,” an offensive term refers to the people who were allegedly collaborated with the Pakistan army during the Bangladesh Liberation War 1971. They also explained the necessary of quota reform and expected a solution for the upcoming generations.
In conclusion, the ban on Jamaat-e-Islami amid the deadly protests is a significant development in Bangladesh’s ongoing struggle with political violence and social unrest. It highlights the deep divisions within the country and raises critical questions about the balance between security and freedom in a rapidly changing society.
As Bangladesh moves forward, the challenge will be to find a way to address the legitimate grievances of its population while maintaining peace and stability. This will require not only political reform but also a willingness to engage in dialogue with those who feel marginalized by the current system. The future of Bangladesh will depend on its ability to reconcile these tensions and create a more inclusive and fair society for all its citizens.
