Dhaka, Bangladesh — On Tuesday, Bangladesh observed a somber day of mourning for over 200 people who lost their lives in recent weeks of violence stemming from student protests over the country’s controversial quota system for government jobs.
Student Protests Turn Violent
The protests began peacefully as students demanded changes to the quota system, which reserves 30% of government jobs for relatives of war veterans and survivors of the 1971 independence war against Pakistan. However, violence erupted on July 15 when members of a student wing associated with the ruling Awami League party attacked the demonstrators. In response, security forces used tear gas and rubber bullets, intensifying the clash.
The student protests marked the most significant challenge to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government since her fourth consecutive term began in January. The Awami League party, which has faced accusations of political violence and corruption, has been embroiled in a broader conflict with the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). This unrest has been exacerbated by recent crackdowns on opposition figures ahead of national elections.
Government and Public Response
In observance of the mourning day, government officials, including those at the Bangladesh Secretariat, donned black badges to honour the deceased. Authorities have relaxed the strict curfew that had been in place, and religious institutions were asked to conduct special prayers for the victims.
Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan reported a death toll of 150, while Prothom Alo, a leading Bengali-language daily, reported 211 deaths since July 16. Thousands more have been injured in the unrest.
Mass Arrests and Human Rights Concerns
In the wake of the violence, approximately 10,000 people have been arrested over the past two weeks. Human rights groups and critics have accused the government of using these arrests as a political tool to suppress dissent and create a climate of fear.
Smriti Singh, regional director for South Asia at Amnesty International, condemned the mass arrests as a “witch hunt” aimed at silencing protesters and accused the government of retaliatory actions against those exercising their human rights.
The government has defended the arrests, claiming they are based on specific charges related to the violence. Despite this, the crackdown has drawn widespread criticism for its severity and alleged political motivations.
Protest Coordination and Government Response
Six protest coordinators held by the Detective Branch of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police released a statement calling off the protests. However, other demonstrators dismissed this statement as coerced and vowed to continue their protests until their demands, including a public apology from Prime Minister Hasina, are met. The police have described the detention of these coordinators as a precautionary measure for their safety, with their families having recently visited them.
Supreme Court Ruling and Government Action
On July 21, the Supreme Court ordered a reduction in the 1971 war veterans’ quota to 5%. The ruling mandates that 93% of civil service jobs be filled based on merit, with the remaining 2% reserved for ethnic minorities, transgender people, and those with disabilities. The government has accepted this ruling and committed to implementing it.
Restoration of Services and Ongoing Challenges
Following a days-long internet blackout, broadband and mobile data services were restored on Tuesday. However, social media platforms like Facebook remain blocked. Banks and offices have reopened under a relaxed curfew, while schools and educational institutions remain closed, with no set reopening date.
Conclusion: A Nation in Transition
The recent violence and subsequent governmental response highlight deep-seated issues within Bangladesh’s political and social landscape. As the nation mourns and attempts to return to normalcy, the future remains uncertain. The situation underscores ongoing tensions and the struggle between the government and its critics, revealing the complexities of governance and civil unrest in Bangladesh.
