Bangladesh in Crisis: Student Protests Against Job Quotas Turn Deadly

By , Sarra Jmal : Department of International Relations and Strategic 24-07-2024

Introduction:

Bangladesh is in chaos as widespread student protests against the quota system have intensified, leading to deadly confrontations. This quota system has ignited fierce criticism among students who advocate for a merit-based recruitment process. Initially starting as peaceful demonstrations, the protests have transformed into violent clashes with law enforcement and pro-government factions, resulting in multiple fatalities and hundreds of injuries across major urban centers, including Dhaka, Chittagong, and Rangpur.

Behind Bangladesh’s Protests: Factors and Motivations:

The nation’s founding father, “Sheikh Mujibur Rehman “, introduced the quota system in 1972,providing a percentage of government job openings to the kids and grandchildren of veterans who fought in the 1971 Pakistani independence war. According to the system, 44 percent of first- and second-class government jobs are based on merit, while 56 percent are only available to specific communities. 

Bangladesh’s quota system:

(One percent quota is meant for the people with special needs)

Initially designed to honor those who fought for the country’s independence, this policy has increasingly been criticized by the younger generation.

Students argue that the quota system discriminates against meritorious candidates by prioritizing familial ties over individual qualifications, it promotes inequality and impairs the nation’s progress by preventing the most capable individuals from serving in government roles. 

The discontent has provoked a fierce backlash and calls for a recruitment process based on merit. The frustration was exacerbated by the increasing percentage of reserved employment in recent years. As highlighted by Dr. Fahmida Khatun, executive director of the Centre for Policy Dialogue, “We must remember that not everyone will be able to secure employment.”

From Peaceful Demands to Bloodshed in Bangladesh:

The protests in Bangladesh began peacefully as protesters marched to demand changes to the economic system. However, the situation took a turn for the worse on July 15. 

Student protesters and activists of the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), part of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League party, clashed in violent confrontations. BCL has historically supported various policies of the Awami League, including implementing the quota system in public sector jobs and educational institutions. 

The escalation resulted in at least 39 fatalities and over 2,500 injuries. The deaths included many students who had been at the forefront of the protests. 

According to eyewitness accounts, protesters were beaten severely,the scenes of violence were harrowing, with bloodied students being carried away by their peers. Injured people were lying on the streets awaiting medical attention. Several were hit multiple times, some collapsed under the blows, and others attempted to protect their friends from the violence.

        Students in Bangladesh are protesting.

Bangladesh Protests Met with Government Repression

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government has implemented severe and violent measures to regain control of the streets in response to the protests. 

To restore order, authorities have deployed military forces, implemented a strict curfew, and disconnected mobile and internet connections.Effectively hindering communication and coordination among protesters. 

Furthermore, educational institutions, including schools and universities, have been shut down, and security forces have been actively mobilizing to prevent the demonstrations.

Protesters confronted with police brutality.

Despite the dire situation, the government has yet to officially disclose the number of casualties. Unofficial reports suggest that the number of fatalities has exceeded 150, fueling further disapproval due to lack of transparency.The government’s violent tactics and the police’s brutal response have been decried by human rights organizations, who urge an immediate cessation of violence. They are urging the Bangladesh Government to converse with the protesters to address their demands. The international community has echoed these calls, emphasizing the need for dialogue rather than further violence to resolve the ongoing crisis.

Conclusion:

As the situation unfolds, the country’s leadership is demonstrating a lack of commitment to protecting its citizens and upholding democratic principles. The crisis has been compounded by the escalating brutality of the crackdown, leading many to question the government’s commitment to protecting human rights and maintaining public order. The pressure is mounting for the authorities to address these failures.