Deadly Clashes Between Students and Police in Bangladesh Over Employment Quota System

Amid nationwide deadly clashes between students and riot police across Bangladesh, the police reported that protesters attacked several government buildings and set them on fire. Non-governmental reports indicate that at least 25 people have been killed in the recent violent clashes in the country. The police statement was issued on Friday, July 29, under conditions where the internet has been cut off across the country. The statement mentioned that protesters have 'set fire to, destroyed, and carried out destructive activities' against the state television channel BTV, the National Disaster Management Agency, along with other buildings belonging to the police and other government organizations. According to the Associated Press, based on phone calls from two unnamed journalists, protesters attacked the headquarters of Bangladesh's state television, broke down one of the main gates, and set vehicles and the guest reception area on fire. The protesting students oppose the employment quota system that favors the relatives of veterans who participated in the Bangladesh Liberation War. On Thursday, July 28, police and government supporters clashed with student activists who were trying to shut down transportation across Bangladesh as part of their multi-day protests over job allocations. The protesters demand an end to the quota system that reserves up to 30% of government jobs for the relatives of veterans who fought in the 1971 independence war. The French news agency reported from local sources that 19 people were killed in the violence on Thursday. The leading newspaper 'Prothom Alo', based in Dhaka, which has a strong network of reporters across the country, reported that by late Thursday night, it had received reports of 19 deaths in Dhaka and other areas. The leading English-language newspaper Daily Star in the country also reported on Thursday that the same number of people had been killed. Bangladesh television also announced that 104 police officers and 30 journalists were among the injured in these clashes. The exact number of injuries from this violence has not yet been announced. The new casualties on Thursday bring the total number of deaths to 25 since the violence began at the prestigious Dhaka University in the capital on Monday. However, Bangladeshi officials have not yet confirmed the death toll. The violence from the Bangladeshi police has pitted protesters against pro-government student groups and police, and it quickly spread to other cities. Six people were killed on Tuesday, and hundreds more were injured. After the first deadly violence on Tuesday of this week, the government had requested universities across the country to close in hopes of suppressing student unrest. In response to government violence, protesters announced on Wednesday evening that they would implement a 'complete shutdown' of transportation across the country on Thursday, except for emergency services. The nationalist opposition party of Bangladesh also announced that it would join these efforts. They blocked several major highways in the country on Thursday. The police reported that protesters set several government buildings and police headquarters on fire. During the clashes on Thursday, police chased hundreds of protesters after they blocked a road and chanted slogans. In other areas, police used tear gas and batons to disperse protesters who were throwing stones at them in a reactive action. Students argue that this quota employment system is discriminatory and should be replaced with a merit-based system. They believe the current employment system favors supporters of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, whose Awami League party led the independence movement. Meanwhile, Hasina's party has accused opposition parties of inciting violence. Protests in Bangladesh continue as a court in the country has declared the quota system legal. The Hasina government had previously suspended job quotas following widespread student protests in 2018. However, last month, the Bangladesh Supreme Court overturned this decision and reinstated the quotas after a petition was filed by relatives of some of the 1971 veterans. The Supreme Court then suspended the High Court's ruling and stated that it would make a decision on this matter by August 7. While job opportunities in the private sector in Bangladesh have expanded, many people prefer government jobs because they offer not only greater stability but also better income.