The ongoing protests in Bangladesh against the government’s job quota system have escalated dramatically, with the death toll rising to at least 75 and hundreds more injured, including over 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.In a significant escalation, protesters stormed a prison in Narsingdi, freeing hundreds of inmates and setting the facility on fire. The state broadcaster BTV was also attacked, with protesters destroying furniture and setting parts of the building ablaze. The government has responded by banning all public gatherings and rallies in the capital, Dhaka, shutting down internet services nationwide, and deploying the military.The protests have evolved into a broader expression of discontent with high youth unemployment, economic conditions, and alleged government corruption. Protesters are demanding an end to the quota system, which they claim is discriminatory and favors ruling party allies. The opposition, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has voiced support for the protesters, with exiled BNP chairman Tarique Rahman urging people to continue the movement.International organizations, including the UN, have condemned the violence and called for restraint. UN human rights chief Volker Turk has called for impartial investigations and accountability, particularly concerning the high number of deaths attributed to police firing. The US State Department has also urged the Bangladeshi government to uphold individuals’ rights to protest peacefully.As the situation remains volatile, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government faces its biggest challenge since coming to power 15 years ago. Critics accuse the government of trying to eliminate all opposition, while authorities claim opposition parties are stoking the violence. The unrest has also sparked solidarity protests in other countries, including India, where students in Kolkata held demonstrations in support of the Bangladeshi protesters.
Key points
- The death toll in Bangladesh protests has risen to at least 75, with hundreds injured.
- Protesters stormed a prison in Narsingdi, freeing hundreds of inmates.
- The government has banned public gatherings, shut down internet services, and deployed the military.
- International organizations, including the UN, have called for restraint and investigations into police brutality.
Contradictions👾There are discrepancies in the reported death toll, with figures ranging from 28 to 75 across different sources.
👾Some sources report the protests lasting for 15 days, while others mention 19 days, indicating inconsistency in the timeline of events.
