Source- India Today
Bangladesh has shut down all colleges, universities, and other educational institutions indefinitely following deadly protests over a government job quota system. The protests, which turned violent, resulted in at least six deaths, including students. The quota system reserves 30% of government jobs for family members of those who fought in the 1971 War of Independence, which has sparked anger among students facing high unemployment rates. The government has also deployed riot police and paramilitary forces to maintain order on campuses.
The burning july
In July 2024, Bangladesh experienced significant student protests against the reinstatement of a job quota system in government employment. Tens of thousands of students took to the streets in cities including Dhaka, Chattogram, Comilla, Rajshahi, and Sylhet. They blocked major intersections, highways, and even the metro rail route in Dhaka, leading to substantial traffic disruptions.
Why did the protest begin ?
The protests were sparked by a court decision to reinstate quotas for government jobs, which had previously been abolished in 2018 following earlier student protests. The quota system reserves more than 50% of government jobs for specific groups, including the descendants of freedom fighters from the 1971 War of Independence.
Despite a temporary suspension of the new quota ruling by the appellate division, students continued their protests, demanding a permanent solution and the complete abolition of the quota system. The demonstrations turned violent in some areas, with reports of police using batons and bullets to disperse crowds, particularly in Comilla.
What fueled up the riots ?
Bangladesh has closed all educational institutions indefinitely due to violent protests against a government job quota system.
Source- The Hindu
The protests were sparked by opposition to a job quota system that reserves 30% of government jobs for descendants of those who fought in the 1971 War of Independence. This system has been criticized for contributing to high youth unemployment rates, with nearly 32 million young people not in work or education in a country of 170 million.
Source- Hindustan Times
What did the prime minister say?
In response to the escalating situation, Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina urged students to return to their studies, but the protesters remained resolute, vowing to continue until their demands were met.
