The ongoing protests in Bangladesh against the government’s job quota system have escalated dramatically, with the death toll rising to at least 39 and over 700 injured, including 100 police officers and 30 journalists. The unrest, which began on July 1 after the High Court reinstated a quota system reserving one-third of civil service posts for descendants of freedom fighters, has spread to at least 26 of the country’s 64 districts.Protesters, mostly students and young people, have set fire to government buildings, including the state television headquarters, and clashed violently with police. In response, authorities have used tear gas, rubber bullets, and what they term ‘non-lethal’ weapons, which rights groups claim are responsible for over two-thirds of the deaths.The government has taken drastic measures to control the situation, shutting down internet services, closing schools and universities indefinitely, and deploying the military. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been in power since 2009, is facing increasing pressure to address the protesters’ demands.The protests, initially focused on reforming the civil service hiring rules, have evolved into a broader expression of discontent with high youth unemployment and economic conditions. Protesters are demanding an end to the quota system, which they claim is discriminatory and favors ruling party allies.International organizations, including the UN and Amnesty International, have called for restraint and accused security forces of using excessive force. As the situation remains volatile, the government has announced the formation of a judicial probe committee to investigate the violent incidents, but protesters continue to demand the Prime Minister’s apology and justice for those killed.
Key points
- Death toll in Bangladesh protests rises to at least 39, with over 700 injured.
- Protesters have set fire to government buildings, including state TV headquarters, in response to job quota system.
- Government has shut down internet services, closed educational institutions, and deployed military to quell unrest.
- International organizations call for restraint and accuse security forces of excessive force.
Contradictions👾Some sources report 32 deaths, while others cite 39, indicating potential discrepancies in casualty reporting.
👾There are varying accounts of the number of districts affected, with some reports citing 25 and others 26.
