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.
While the government had previously halted the quotas in response to mass protests in 2018, the High Court recently reinstated them after petitions from relatives of the 1971 veterans. The Supreme Court is set to rule on the issue on August 7, with the government appealing the High Court's decision.
As clashes continued in various cities across Bangladesh, including Chattogram and Khulna, protesters blocked highways and engaged in violent confrontations with police. The situation led to a partial shutdown in Dhaka, with limited transportation options and heightened security measures in place.
Prime Minister Hasina addressed the nation, urging patience and expressing confidence in the judiciary to deliver justice. She promised a judicial probe into the recent deaths and vowed to hold those responsible accountable.
The United Nations Human Rights chief called for investigations into the use of force and violence during the protests, emphasizing the importance of upholding fundamental human rights such as freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
The ruling party blamed the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for the chaos, leading to a police raid on the BNP headquarters. Several members of the BNP's student wing were arrested, and police seized weapons and explosives during the raid.
The situation remains tense in Bangladesh as the government, protesters, and opposition parties navigate the complex issues surrounding the quota system and the ongoing demonstrations.
