In two separate terms and 20 years since she became Bangladesh’s prime minister, more than 300 people have been killed in the ongoing protests, perhaps the biggest test for Sheikh Hasina. At least 98 people were killed and hundreds injured in Bangladesh on Sunday when police used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse thousands of people demanding PM Hasina’s resignation. The violence is one of the deadliest days in Bangladesh’s recent history of civil unrest, surpassing the 67 deaths recorded on July 19, when students protested against a quota system for government jobs.
But what is causing the deadly unrest in Bangladesh?
The protests, which began late last month, escalated dramatically when student activists at Dhaka University, the country’s largest, clashed violently with police and pro-government counter-protesters. The protests are rooted in a controversial quota system that reserves up to 30 percent of government jobs for family members of veterans of Bangladesh’s 1971 independence war against Pakistan.
Bangladesh Police used tear gas against protesters.
Photo Credit: AFP
Protesters argue that the system is discriminatory and favors supporters of Prime Minister Hasina’s Awami League party. They advocate replacing the existing quota with a merit-based system.
The quota system, established in 1972 and briefly abolished in 2018, has been a subject of constant controversy. Critics allege that it unfairly benefits Awami League supporters and limits opportunities for other qualified candidates. Prime Minister Hasina’s public comments further inflamed the situation, leading to protests.
The protests have grown beyond the quota issue into a broader anti-government movement, drawing support from various sections of society, including film stars, musicians and even garment manufacturers. Rap songs and social media campaigns have fuelled the demand for Hasina’s resignation.
Prime Minister Hasina, who has been in power since 2009 and won a fourth consecutive term in January through elections boycotted by the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party, has been accused of consolidating power through state institutions and suppressing dissent. The recent violence highlights growing discontent and demands for change among the Bangladeshi public.
explosive growth
The protesting students have announced a “Dhaka March” programme today.
Houses of people’s representatives, 20 Awami League offices, police stations and other government establishments were attacked, vandalised and set on fire in 39 districts. Clashes broke out between protesters and leaders of the Awami League and its allied organisations in several districts.
Residences and offices of ruling party ministers, state ministers, MPs and Awami League leaders were vandalised in at least 14 different places.
Several buildings were set on fire during the ongoing protests.
Photo Credit: AFP
In response to the unrest, the government announced an indefinite nationwide curfew from 6 pm on Sunday, the first such move during the current wave of protests. A three-day general holiday was also announced from Monday. In addition, the government has also shut down internet services.
Protesters blocked major highways and launched a non-cooperation program, leading to escalation of violence across the country. Police stations and ruling party offices were targeted, with reports of fierce clashes and large numbers of casualties. Thirteen policemen were beaten to death in Sirajganj and the homes of two MPs were set on fire.
The unrest was not confined to Dhaka but spread across the country. Two construction workers were killed and 30 others injured in a three-way clash between protesters, police and ruling party workers in the central district of Munshiganj.
Additional casualties occurred in clashes in Pabna, Feni, Lakshmipur, Narsingdi, Rangpur, Magura and other districts. A hospital was vandalised in Dhaka and four garment factories were set on fire. The government’s decision to shut down high-speed internet services, including social media platforms, further added to the chaos.
Government Order
Bangladesh telecommunications providers were instructed to shut down 4G services, completely cutting off internet access. Protests initially stopped after the Supreme Court cancelled most of the quotas, but resumed sporadically, demanding justice for those killed.
Bangladesh Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman directed officers to ensure the safety of life, property and government establishments. Despite this, protesters continued to violate the curfew, leading to clashes and casualties.
The international community, including India, has advised its citizens not to travel to Bangladesh.
