Bangladesh is currently experiencing significant social unrest due to the government’s reintroduction of a controversial quota system for government job allocations, leading to widespread protests. The government’s attempts to quell the dissent with a heavy-handed approach, including the deployment of military forces, a nationwide curfew, and disruptions to internet and mobile services, have only escalated the situation. Amnesty International has criticized the police’s use of “unlawful force” against protesters, and there are reports of targeted violence against female protesters and others. The protests, which began peacefully, have turned violent, resulting in over 100 deaths and thousands of injuries. The public’s demand for the abolition of the quota system and an investigation into the deaths of students reflects the depth of the crisis.
Bangladesh is under a nationwide curfew following weeks of violent protests against the reintroduction of a quota system for government job allocations.
Military forces have been deployed in Dhaka to restore order, and more than 100 people have been killed in clashes with the police.
The government has disrupted internet and mobile services in an attempt to control the unrest.
The quota system allocates more than half of government jobs to women, minorities, and families of veterans, which protestors argue is unfair and discriminatory.
Amnesty International has accused Bangladeshi police of using “unlawful force” against protesters, including the use of birdshot, which is deemed inappropriate for policing protests.
There are reports of violence and brutality targeted towards female protesters and allegations of assaults by pro-government student wings.
The protests have escalated from peaceful demonstrations to violent confrontations with the police, including the burning of vehicles and attacks on public buildings.
Protesters demand the government to abandon the quota system and to investigate the deaths of students during the protests.
The job market in Bangladesh is highly competitive, with around 18 million young people unemployed, which exacerbates the frustration over the quota system.
Due to government censorship and the shutdown of internet services, many are turning to social media to express their concerns and to stand in solidarity with the protesters.
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