Bangladesh Reels from Violent Crackdown on Job Quota Protests

Bangladesh is in turmoil as protests against a discriminatory job quota system have escalated into deadly clashes with security forces. The government’s heavy-handed response, including widespread arrests, torture, and internet blackouts, has sparked widespread condemnation.

The quota system, which reserves 30% of government jobs for descendants of the country’s 1971 liberation war veterans, has long been a source of discontent among young people. Recent protests, initially led by students, have grown into a broader movement calling for its abolition.

The government’s crackdown has been severe. Student activists report abductions, torture, and disappearances. The use of live ammunition by security forces has resulted in over 160 deaths, sparking outrage both domestically and internationally. Human Rights Watch has condemned the excessive force, urging foreign governments to hold the government accountable.

Protesters have issued a list of demands, including the resignation of key government officials, the dismissal of police officers involved in the crackdown, and an apology from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The internet blackout and curfews have hindered efforts to document the violence and organize protests.

The crisis has exposed deep-seated issues within Bangladeshi society, including inequality, government accountability, and the erosion of democratic freedoms.