In the week commencing 15 July 2024, thousands of students across Bangladesh initiated a peaceful protest against the discriminatory quota system in the nation's civil services. This system allocates 30% of government jobs to descendants of the 1971 Independence War veterans and 26% to women, indigenous communities, disabled citizens, and other groups. Consequently, only 44% of the positions are awarded based on merit, significantly limiting opportunities for the majority and exacerbating unemployment.
The protests have been met with brutal repression from the police and the Bangladesh Student League (BSL), also known as the Bangladesh Chhatra League. By 18 July, the violence had escalated, resulting in the deaths of over 100 students and injuries to hundreds more. In response, authorities closed all universities indefinitely and launched widespread assaults on students across major campuses. The violence involved the use of firearms, local weapons, tear gas, sound grenades, and batons.
The situation further deteriorated as the Bangladesh army imposed a 'shoot-at-sight' curfew following the deadly protests. At least 105 people have been killed and thousands injured in the violence this week alone. To further suppress the protests, the government has blocked internet and mobile services, cutting off students and citizens from emergency services and communication with their families. This severe response represents a gross violation of human rights and democratic principles, turning educational institutions and public streets into conflict zones with rising casualties.
Rationale Behind the Protests
University students across Bangladesh are calling for the reform of the job quota system, which reserves more than half of the highly sought-after government jobs. The protests intensified after 5 June, when the High Court ordered the reinstatement of the 30 percent quota for descendants of veterans who participated in the war of independence from Pakistan in 1971.
The quota system, originally established in 1972, was abolished by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2018 following previous student protests. However, the court's recent decision to reinstate it has reignited the protests. Students argue that the reserved jobs for veterans disproportionately benefit a small group of people affiliated with the Awami League, the party that led the independence movement.
Unemployment remains a significant issue in Bangladesh, with 40 percent of youth neither working nor attending university. This economic reality underscores the urgency of the students' demands for a fair and merit-based job allocation system.
Recent Developments
The protests, which commenced weeks ago, have escalated in violence following attacks on student protesters by activists of the Bangladesh Chhatra League, the student wing of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League party. Despite the increasing aggression, protesters have remained resolute. In response, the government ordered the closure of all universities, targeting the epicentres of the movement against the quota system. However, students have continued to occupy the campuses, resulting in a tense standoff.
The situation deteriorated further on Thursday, culminating in deadly violence. Thousands of students clashed with armed police in Dhaka, leading to the deaths of 11 individuals, including a bus driver and a student, as reported by police sources to Al Jazeera.
Proposed Demands
In light of these events, I propose the following demands to address the systemic issues highlighted by the recent protests:
Reform the Quota System: The quota system must be reformed to meet global standards, ensuring fairness and meritocracy in the allocation of government jobs.
Accountability for Violence: There should be strict enforcement and no mercy for those involved in the killing of students. Those responsible must be held accountable for their actions.
Comprehensive Government Reform: The government must undergo significant reforms from top to bottom to ensure such incidents do not happen in the future. This includes structural changes to prevent abuse of power and ensure transparency.
Prime Minister's Resignation: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina should apologise, take full responsibility for the lives lost, and step down immediately like a civilised 21st-century leader.
Compensation and Rehabilitation: Proper rehabilitation and compensation should be provided for the victims' families, acknowledging their suffering and offering support for their recovery.
In conclusion, the students' protest against the quota system is not just a fight for employment opportunities but a broader struggle for justice, equality, and democratic principles. The government's severe response highlights the urgent need for reform and accountability. The world must watch and support these brave individuals as they strive for a fairer and more equitable Bangladesh.
Sir do something please
Bro never in my life felt so helpless