Bangladesh is gripped by unprecedented violence and unrest following protests over employment quotas that have resulted in over 1,000 arrests and at least 174 deaths. The turmoil, which began in response to contentious government job quotas, has rapidly escalated into one of the most severe periods of unrest during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s tenure.
The demonstrations initially focused on grievances about politicized quotas for government jobs, but they soon intensified into widespread violence, leading to a significant crackdown by security forces. The situation has seen a curfew imposed across parts of the country, soldiers deployed to maintain order, and a nationwide internet blackout severely limiting the flow of information.
On Sunday, the Supreme Court intervened by reducing the number of reserved positions from 56% to 7%. This reduction primarily benefits the descendants of “freedom fighters” from Bangladesh’s 1971 liberation war. While this decision was a concession to the protesters’ demands, it has not fully satisfied their calls for the elimination of the quota system altogether.
The unrest began when students and job seekers took to the streets to protest the reintroduction of the quota system, which had been suspended since 2018. The reintroduction, aimed at addressing grievances about employment discrimination, sparked outrage among graduates already facing a severe jobs crisis. Bangladesh’s young population, estimated at around 18 million, is struggling with high unemployment rates, which exacerbated tensions and fueled the demonstrations.
The violence has led to severe consequences. Reports indicate that at least 174 people have been killed, including several police officers. The crackdown by authorities has included mass arrests, with nearly 1,200 individuals detained across various regions. Cities like Dhaka, Narayanganj, Narsingdi, and Bogura have seen the highest number of arrests. The situation in Dhaka, the capital, has been particularly dire, with heavy military presence and barricades set up at key intersections.
The response to the protests has drawn widespread criticism, both domestically and internationally. Bangladeshi Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus has condemned the violence, calling on world leaders and the United Nations to intervene and end the bloodshed. Yunus, known for his contributions to poverty alleviation through microfinance, has expressed deep concern over the indiscriminate killing of young people and the lack of transparency from hospitals regarding the number of casualties.
Diplomatic criticism has also emerged, with US Ambassador Peter Haas highlighting concerns over the government’s handling of the situation. The government has been accused of using state institutions to consolidate power and suppress dissent, including allegations of extrajudicial killings of opposition activists.
Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling and the government’s efforts to restore order, the situation remains volatile. The prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, has remained defiant, asserting that she will not flee in the face of unrest. Her administration’s response has been marked by heavy-handed tactics, with critics accusing her government of undermining democratic principles and manipulating the judiciary to maintain power.
As the violence continues, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that addresses the underlying issues while restoring peace and stability in Bangladesh. The path forward remains uncertain, with ongoing protests and a tense atmosphere that could further impact the country’s social and political landscape.
