Nationwide Shutdown Looms Today as Bangladesh Erupts in Fiery Protests Over Job Quota Row
Nationwide Shutdown in Bangladesh Announced Amid Quota Reform Protests
Student protesters in Bangladesh have announced a total nationwide shutdown on July 18, following violent clashes over demands to reform the quota system in government jobs. The announcement comes after security forces allegedly killed six people, including four students, during protests that swept across the country.
Asif Mahmud, a key coordinator of the movement, declared via Facebook that all establishments, except hospitals and emergency services, will be closed on Thursday. Ambulance services will be the only vehicles permitted on the streets. The call to action extends to students from all educational institutions, urging them to participate in the shutdown and seek support from their guardians.
The protesters’ demands have been met with government scrutiny. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed deep regret over the casualties and affirmed that a judicial inquiry committee would be formed. She urged students to have faith in the country’s apex court, where the issue is currently pending. Hasina also assured that those responsible for the violence, including killings and looting, would face appropriate punishment. She attributed the escalation to "vested quarters," absolving the protesting students of involvement in terrorist acts.
In response to the ongoing violence, the Bangladeshi government has indefinitely closed all public and private universities, schools, and colleges. Residential students have been asked to vacate their dormitories. The violence, which saw fatalities in Dhaka, Chattogram, and Rangpur, left scores of protesters injured in further clashes with alleged ruling Awami League’s student activists and police.
The current quota system reserves 56% of government jobs, mainly for descendants of 1971 Liberation War freedom fighters, backward districts, women, ethnic minorities, and handicapped people. Annually, this system offers around 3,000 government jobs to nearly 400,000 graduates.
UN Human Rights chief Volker Turk urged Bangladesh authorities to engage with the protesting students and ensure that all acts of violence and use of force are investigated, holding perpetrators accountable.
Original Story https://www.indiatodayne.in/international/story/bangladesh-protests-nationwide-shutdown-likely-today-over-job-quota-row-1051799-2024-07-18?utm_source=rssfeed
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