Bangladesh protests

Bangladesh’s job quota protests have taken a violent shape, where around 39 people have lost their lives till now, and hundreds have sustained injuries.

The worst hit are the protesting students, journalists, and police officials in the country, with reports indicating around 400 students, 30 media professionals, and 104 police personnel suffering injuries.

The protests erupted a month ago against a designated quota of 30% in government jobs for the families of the 1971 liberation war veterans.

However, the unrest intensified after clashes erupted between a few students of Dhaka University and security forces, backed by counter-protestors, reportedly alleged to be from the ruling Awami League.

Protesting parties allege that the reservation was introduced to benefit the Awami League, as the party holds support majorly from the war veterans. They demand a merit-based system to be put in place instead.

Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina has called for patience until a final verdict on government job quotas is delivered as deadly violence in protest against the system convulses the country.

In a televised address to the nation on July 17 evening, she announced a judicial investigation into the incidents of violence during the protests.

Although this quota was abolished by the government in 2018, a High Court order reinstated them. Following this, the Supreme Court is set to hear a plea from the government against the HC’s move on Aug 7.