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On Sunday, Bangladesh’s highest court made a significant adjustment to a contentious quota system that allocated government jobs, marking a partial win for student activists amid escalating protests and unrest that have resulted in numerous casualties.
Frustrated by the scarcity of desirable job opportunities, students have been advocating for the elimination of a policy that reserved 30 percent of government positions for the descendants of veterans from Bangladesh’s 1971 war of independence. Although the quota was suspended in 2018 following widespread student demonstrations, the High Court reinstated it in June, igniting a new wave of protests.
In response to an appeal, the Supreme Court ruled that the quota for veterans will be reduced to five percent, while a substantial 93 percent of the positions will now be filled based on merit. Additionally, the court allocated the remaining two percent for individuals from ethnic minority groups and for transgender and disabled citizens.
This wave of protests has emerged as a serious challenge for the government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, especially following her party’s victory in a controversial fourth consecutive term secured by January elections that were boycotted by major opposition parties. In light of the unrest, universities have been closed, internet services have been suspended, and authorities have enforced strict stay-at-home orders.
The effect of the court’s decision on the students’ sentiments remains uncertain due to the widespread disruption of communication. Law Minister Anisul Haq has publicly endorsed the ruling, describing it as “well thought of.”
The situation turned deadly earlier in the week when students at Dhaka University confronted police. Violence escalated as law enforcement used tear gas and rubber bullets against crowds attempting to protest peacefully.
WATCH | Bangladesh military moves in to quash violent protests in Dhaka:
Bangladesh military moves in to quash violent protests in Dhaka
In an effort to control the violence in Dhaka, the government called in military troops. Demonstrators expressed their outrage over the government’s job quota policy, which allocates a percentage of civil service positions to the offspring of independence war veterans.
Though no official figures on casualties have been disclosed, reports from local media indicate that death tolls may exceed 100 due to the ongoing clashes. On Friday, an Associated Press journalist observed security forces employing rubber bullets and tear gas on a crowd of over 1,000 protesters gathered outside the Bangladesh Television headquarters, which had been set ablaze by demonstrators the day before, leaving the area marked by chaos.
On Saturday, sporadic clashes were reported in Dhaka, but details regarding further casualties were not immediately available.
Hasnat Abdullah, a representative of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, highlighted the fatalities, stating, “many people have been killed, so the state should take responsibility.”
Easing stay-at-home order
In anticipation of the Supreme Court’s decision, military personnel have been deployed throughout various cities across Bangladesh. Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan announced that the stay-at-home order would be relaxed for two hours on Sunday, allowing citizens to attend to essential errands.
The government has also declared Sunday and Monday as public holidays, restricting operations to emergency services only.
Protesters argue that the quota system is unjust and disproportionately benefits individuals aligned with the ruling Awami League, the party that spearheaded the independence movement. They are calling for a shift towards a merit-based hiring system. Prime Minister Hasina, however, has defended the current quota, stating that the contributions of veterans in the fight for independence deserve the utmost respect, irrespective of political affiliations.
Efforts for dialogue were underway late Friday, as representatives from the protesting students met with officials to negotiate solutions. Law Minister Haq indicated that the government is willing to engage in discussions regarding the protesters’ demands, which also included requests to reopen university dormitories and accountability for certain officials.
WATCH | Bangladeshi people wake up to burned buildings amid ongoing unrest:
Bangladesh wakes to torched buildings and nationwide internet blackout
In the aftermath of violent protests, residents of Bangladesh awakened to find numerous buildings damaged by fire alongside an imposed nationwide internet blackout following the deadliest day of unrest, which resulted in at least 39 deaths since the demonstrations escalated on July 15.
The opposition party, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has extended its support to the protests and plans to organize its own demonstrations, as many of its members have joined the student-led movements. The BNP, however, has denied responsibility for any violence and rejected allegations from the ruling party claiming that the opposition is exploiting the protests for political gains.
Historically, the Awami League and the BNP have accused one another of inciting political turmoil, especially during the run-up to national elections, which were marred by repression against opposition figures. The ruling government has accused the BNP of seeking to disrupt the electoral process.
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www.cbc.ca