Bangladesh Unrest: 32 Dead in Student Protests Over Job Quotas; State TV Network Attacked
Siege at Bangladesh Television Bhaban
Protesters have laid siege to the state-run Bangladesh Television Bhaban in Dhaka’s Rampura area, causing significant damage and setting fire to parked vehicles. The mob trapped several staff members, including journalists, inside the building.
Violence in Dhaka’s Uttara Area
Clashes between protesters, law enforcement, and ruling party members in Dhaka’s Uttara area have resulted in 18 deaths and numerous injuries. The violence erupted near several private universities.
Reasons for the Protests
University students have been protesting for over a week against the public sector job reservation system, which includes quotas for relatives of 1971 war heroes. They are demanding the abolition of these quotas, claiming the current system is unfair to meritorious students.
Communication Shutdown
In response to the unrest, authorities have shut down metro rail and railway services in Dhaka since Thursday afternoon and disabled mobile internet networks. The websites of the Bangladesh police and the Awami League’s student wing, Bangladesh Chhatra League, have also been hacked.
Deployment of Security Forces
Border Guard Bangladesh, riot police, and the elite Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) have been deployed nationwide to restore order. Government offices and banks remain open but with reduced attendance due to limited public transport.
Government Response
Law Minister Anisul Huq has announced the government’s willingness to engage in dialogue with the protesters. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has tasked Huq and Education Minister Mohibul Hassan Chowdhury with facilitating these discussions. A judicial investigation committee, led by High Court judge Khondkar Diliruzzaman, has been established to probe the violence.
Student Group Rejects Dialogue
The protest group Students Against Discrimination has dismissed the government’s offer for dialogue, demanding immediate action. They have criticized the prime minister’s response as inadequate.
Supreme Court Hearing Scheduled
Prime Minister Hasina has urged students to trust the Supreme Court, which is set to hear the case on August 7. The government is seeking an expedited hearing to resolve the crisis quickly.
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Bangladesh Protest: Student Protests Escalate Over Jobs Quota: Government Shuts Down Schools
