Schools and universities across Bangladesh have been forced to close their doors indefinitely as violent protests over government job quotas have left six people dead. The unrest stems from a system that reserves a third of public sector jobs for the children of war heroes who fought for Bangladesh’s independence in 1971, as well as for women, ethnic minorities, and the disabled.
University students have been leading the charge against the quota system, arguing that it is discriminatory and calling for recruitment based on merit. The clashes between supporters of the anti-quota movement and those against it, particularly the student wing of the ruling Awami League, have turned violent in cities like Dhaka, resulting in injuries and fatalities.
The government, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, had previously abolished the quota system in 2018 following protests, but a court ruling in early June reinstated it, sparking the latest wave of demonstrations. The opposition has been accused of instigating the violence, while student leaders have criticized the government for its handling of the situation.
Despite the suspension of the current quota system by the top court, protests are expected to continue until a permanent resolution is reached. UN Secretary General António Guterres has called on the government to protect demonstrators from violence, as students vow to keep up their protests until their demands are met.
The government has responded by deploying paramilitary forces in major cities to maintain security. The situation remains tense as both sides stand firm in their positions, with the future of the job quota system hanging in the balance.
