Unbelievable Scenes in Bangladesh: Internet Cut Off as Quota Protests Turn Deadly!

Bangladesh has been engulfed in turmoil this week as violence erupted between student protesters, security officials, and pro-government student activists over a contentious quota system for government jobs. The protest organisers have declared a complete shutdown across the nation on Thursday, sparing only essential services. This announcement follows the decision of several major universities to close their doors indefinitely in an effort to deescalate the mounting tensions.

The protests, which have seen tens of thousands take to the streets, began in earnest late last month. However, tensions reached a boiling point on Monday when student activists at Dhaka University, the largest university in the country, clashed with police and counter-protesters allied with the ruling Awami League. The resulting violence left at least 100 people injured. The situation further deteriorated the following day, with six fatalities reported as violence continued to spread across campuses throughout Bangladesh. By Wednesday and Thursday, paramilitary forces had been deployed to patrol the streets of major cities, and media reports indicated that an additional 19 people had perished by Thursday.

In light of the escalating violence, several major universities announced their closure until the situation stabilises to ensure the safety of their students. Despite the shutdown, protesters have vowed to continue their demonstrations, although they have expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue with the government. On Thursday, further clashes were reported in Dhaka and other parts of the country, with police using tear gas to disperse the crowds, according to officials and local television reports.

The crux of the demonstrations lies in the quota system that reserves up to 30% of government jobs for family members of veterans who fought in Bangladesh's 1971 war of independence against Pakistan. Protesters argue that this system is discriminatory and primarily benefits supporters of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League party, which led the independence movement. They are calling for the abolition of this quota system in favour of a merit-based system.

Despite the growth in job opportunities within some segments of the private sector, government jobs remain highly sought after due to their perceived stability and financial benefits. However, the availability of these jobs is limited, with approximately 400,000 graduates vying for around 3,000 positions annually through the civil service exam. The quota system also reserves government jobs for women, disabled individuals, and members of ethnic minorities, but the student protests have primarily targeted the reservations for veterans’ families.

Prime Minister Hasina has staunchly defended the quota system, asserting that veterans deserve the highest respect for their contributions during the war, irrespective of their political affiliations. Her government has also accused the main opposition parties, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the right-wing Jamaat-e-Islami party, of inciting chaos. The BNP has supported the students’ call for a shutdown on Thursday. On Wednesday, authorities raided the BNP headquarters and arrested several activists from the party’s student wing.

The current clashes come mere months after Hasina retained power in an election marred by boycotts from opposition parties and the imprisonment of opposition members prior to the polls. This is not the first time the quota issue has sparked widespread unrest. In 2018, Hasina's government suspended the quotas following mass student protests. However, the High Court reinstated the quotas last month after petitions from relatives of the 1971 veterans, reigniting the protests. The Supreme Court has since suspended the High Court’s decision and promised a ruling on the matter on August 7. Despite this pending decision, the protests have continued unabated.

In a televised address on Wednesday evening, Hasina appealed for patience, urging everyone to await the Supreme Court's verdict. "I believe our students will get justice from the apex court. They will not be disappointed," she stated. Nonetheless, the ongoing protests highlight deeper issues within Bangladesh’s governance and economy, exacerbated by the global disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. The unrest also underscores the lack of quality job opportunities for young graduates.

Amidst the chaos, the government took the drastic measure of cutting off internet and mobile services in an attempt to curb the spread of information and organise protests. This move has been widely criticised as it hampers communication and access to crucial information during a period of crisis. The blackout has added another layer of frustration for the protesters and has been condemned by human rights organisations and international observers.

Anu Muhammad, a former economics professor and analyst, articulated the frustrations of the students in a piece for the Dhaka-based Daily Star newspaper. "The reason behind such huge participation is that many students go through the bitter experience of not finding the jobs they deserve after completing their education," he wrote. "In addition, rampant corruption and irregularities in government job recruitment exams and selection processes have created immense frustration and anger."

As Bangladesh navigates through this period of unrest, the outcome of the Supreme Court’s decision and the government's response will be pivotal in determining whether the protests subside or escalate further. The situation remains fluid, with the potential for further violence if a satisfactory resolution is not reached. The demand for a fair and merit-based employment system continues to be a rallying cry for the disillusioned youth of Bangladesh, seeking transparency and justice in their pursuit of stable and rewarding careers.

The death toll from the clashes has been sobering, with at least five more people confirmed dead in recent confrontations over the quota system. These fatalities have intensified the public outcry and highlighted the severe consequences of the ongoing unrest. The violence has also resulted in dozens of injuries, further straining the country's healthcare system already under pressure from the pandemic.

The widespread unrest has not only affected the students and their families but has also had a significant impact on the broader population. Businesses, public services, and daily life in major cities have been disrupted as a result of the shutdowns and the violence. The economic repercussions are expected to be significant, particularly in a country still recovering from the economic shocks of the global pandemic.

The international community has been closely monitoring the situation in Bangladesh. Several countries and human rights organisations have issued statements calling for restraint and urging the Bangladeshi government to engage in dialogue with the protesters. There is a growing concern that the continued unrest could lead to a more severe humanitarian crisis if not addressed promptly and effectively.

As the nation waits for the Supreme Court’s ruling and the government's next steps, the resolve of the students and their supporters remains steadfast. They continue to call for justice and a fair system that recognises merit over familial connections. The outcome of this conflict will likely have long-lasting implications for Bangladesh's political landscape and the future of its young graduates.