Additional Coverage:
In recent days, Bangladesh has experienced severe unrest following protests against employment quotas, resulting in over 2,500 arrests and at least 174 deaths, which include several police officers. The demonstrations originally targeted the politicized admission quotas for government jobs but escalated significantly, prompting the imposition of a curfew, deployment of military forces, and a nationwide internet shutdown under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s administration.
The turmoil, marking some of the worst during Hasina’s time in office, led to the Supreme Court’s decision to reduce the quota for reserved jobs. Initially intended for families of 1971 liberation war veterans, this move has partially addressed protesters’ demands but continues to stir controversy.
The main protest group, Students Against Discrimination, called a temporary halt to their demonstrations, stating the reforms were not worth the resulting violence. Despite the Supreme Court’s adjustments, dissatisfaction persists, particularly concerning the reserved quotas, which critics argue serve to fill government positions with political loyalists.
On the streets of Dhaka, life shows signs of normalcy returning, with increased military presence and more civilians, including rickshaw drivers like Hanif, resuming work out of necessity. The situation remains tense, with reported abductions and beatings of protest organizers, leading to international concern and condemnation, including from Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus who has criticized the government’s harsh response to the protests.
The United States and other diplomatic entities have expressed concerns about the government’s handling of the situation, suggesting bias and a lack of transparency in governmental communication. As the nation continues to grapple with these issues, the global community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that respects the voices and safety of the Bangladeshi people.