The ongoing violent suppression of peaceful student protests in Bangladesh has starkly highlighted the country's profound deficiencies in democratic governance and the rule of law. In mid-July 2024, thousands of students mobilised to protest against the discriminatory civil service quota system, advocating for a fairer and more equitable society. However, their legitimate demands were met with severe repression, underscoring the alarming degradation of democratic principles and legal frameworks in Bangladesh.
Discriminatory Quota System
The quota system in Bangladesh's civil services reserves 30% of government positions for descendants of the 1971 Independence War veterans and 26% for women, indigenous communities, disabled citizens, and other groups. Consequently, only 44% of positions are allocated based on merit, significantly curtailing opportunities for the majority and exacerbating unemployment. Although ostensibly designed to support disadvantaged groups, this system has entrenched inequality and corruption, primarily benefiting a small elite connected to the ruling Awami League party.
Violent Repression of Protests
The government's response to the student protests has been both draconian and violent. The Bangladesh Student League (BSL), the student wing of the Awami League, together with the police, have employed brutal force against the protesters. By 20 July, the violence had resulted in the deaths of over 300 students and injuries to hundreds more. Universities were closed indefinitely, and widespread assaults on students were reported across major campuses. The use of firearms, local weapons, tear gas, sound grenades, and batons against unarmed students constitutes a flagrant disregard for human rights and democratic norms.
Suppression of Communication
On the night of 18 July, the government imposed an internet and mobile network blackout to suppress the protests and prevent the dissemination of information. This measure further isolated students and citizens, severing their access to emergency services and communication with their families. Such actions constitute a clear infringement of the fundamental rights to freedom of expression and access to information, enshrined in both national and international law.
Lack of Accountability
The violent response to the protests underscores a severe lack of accountability within Bangladesh's law enforcement agencies. The police, along with the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), have engaged in violent crackdowns with impunity. Reports of arbitrary detentions, excessive use of force, and harassment of peaceful protesters are widespread. There is an urgent need for thorough and impartial investigations into these human rights violations, with those responsible being brought to justice.
Political Manipulation and Corruption
The Awami League's manipulation of the quota system to benefit its affiliates further exemplifies the erosion of democratic principles in Bangladesh. The system's reinstatement by the High Court, despite its abolition in 2018, reflects the pervasive influence of the ruling party over ostensibly independent institutions. This political interference undermines the rule of law and erodes public trust in the country's governance.
The brutal crackdown on student protests, coupled with the broader issues of political manipulation and lack of accountability, highlights a profound crisis in democracy and the rule of law in Bangladesh. Urgent reforms are required to restore these fundamental principles and ensure a fairer, more just society. The international community must stand in solidarity with the people of Bangladesh as they strive for a democratic and accountable government.
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