What is happening in Bangladesh? Why thousands of students have taken to streets in deadly protests

Bangladesh in Turmoil: Deadly Protests Shake the Nation

Clashes and Chaos

• Over 100 dead, thousands injured in Bangladesh as students clash with police.
• Protests erupt over a controversial quota system in government jobs.

Protesters Demand Change

• Students demand an end to 30% job reservations for war veterans' families.
• Supreme Court scales back quotas, but unrest continues.

Government Crackdown

• Curfews, shoot-on-sight orders, and military deployment in place.
• Communication blackout: Internet and mobile services cut off.

Violence Escalates

• Deadly clashes with bullets and tear gas in Dhaka and major cities.
• Protesters storm prisons, set fires, and target government websites.

Voices from the Streets

• “We need jobs, not quotas!” – cries of frustrated youth.
• Students accuse the government of brutality and discrimination.

A Nation Holds Its Breath

• Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina faces the toughest test of her 15-year rule.
• The world watches as Bangladesh battles for justice and equality.

The Incident Explained

Background: The protests began as students demanded the removal of a quota system that reserves 30% of government jobs for relatives of veterans from the 1971 war of independence. They argue this system is discriminatory and hinders their employment opportunities.

Escalation: What started as peaceful demonstrations quickly turned violent. Police and security forces responded with tear gas and rubber bullets. The situation worsened when the student wing of the ruling Awami League allegedly attacked protesters, leading to widespread injuries and deaths.

Supreme Court Intervention: In an attempt to quell the unrest, the Supreme Court ordered that 93% of government jobs be allocated based on merit, with the remaining 7% reserved for veterans, minorities, and disabled people. However, this did not immediately stop the protests.

Government Actions: The government imposed strict curfews and declared public holidays to keep people off the streets. They also enforced a communication blackout, cutting off internet and mobile services to prevent further coordination among protesters.

Current Situation: Despite these measures, the protests continue. Students, supported by the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), remain defiant. The government’s use of force and the ongoing violence have drawn international concern, putting Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina under immense pressure.

Stay tuned as this dramatic and unfolding crisis continues to grip the nation.