Bangladesh Eases Curfew Amid Protests Over Job Quotas

Bangladesh has partially restored telecommunications services following deadly protests that claimed nearly 150 lives, Arab News reported yesterday.

Although internet speeds remain slow and social media is still suspended, the government is easing curfews imposed last week, the source mentioned.

This move comes after the Supreme Court reduced job reservation quotas to 7%, overturning a previous high court ruling that reinstated a 56% quota.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s administration has stated it will comply with the ruling. As protests wane, students have issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding the restoration of internet services, withdrawal of police from campuses, and the reopening of universities.

Tensions escalated after Hasina labeled protesters as “razakar,” a term for wartime collaborators. The opposition party has denied involvement in the unrest, while several countries, including India and Malaysia, have evacuated citizens amid the ongoing violence.