Student protesters clashed with police in Dhaka, Bangladesh, as they attempted to enforce a nationwide shutdown in response to a controversial quota system for government jobs. The protests, which have been ongoing for weeks, intensified following violent confrontations on the campus of Dhaka University that resulted in six deaths.
The demonstrators are demanding an end to a quota system that reserves up to 30% of government jobs for family members of veterans from Bangladesh's war of independence in 1971. They argue that the system is discriminatory and benefits supporters of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's ruling party. The protesters want the quota system replaced with a merit-based selection process.
