Authorities in Bangladesh have called for all universities to shut down following deadly clashes over government job allocations. The unrest, which has claimed at least six lives, erupted due to disputes surrounding the distribution of public sector positions.
While some universities swiftly complied with the directive, others, such as Dhaka University, are still deliberating on their course of action amidst the ongoing turmoil.
The University Grants Commission has issued a recommendation for both public and private universities to suspend classes and evacuate their dormitories as a precautionary measure to safeguard students. It is important to note that this request does not carry legal authority, as the country's universities operate autonomously.
The recent wave of violence unfolded across various regions of Bangladesh, with clashes reported in the capital city of Dhaka, as well as in Chattogram and Rangpur. The confrontations primarily involved student protesters, pro-government student activists, and law enforcement personnel.
The demonstrations initially commenced in protest against a quota system that reserves 30% of government jobs for descendants of veterans from Bangladesh's 1971 war of independence. The situation escalated on Monday when clashes erupted at Dhaka University, resulting in injuries to around 100 individuals.
Subsequently, the unrest spread to Jahangir Nagar University in Savar and other parts of the country. Despite the call for university closures, sporadic protests persisted at Dhaka University and various locations nationwide, prompting heightened security measures.
The quota system, which was temporarily suspended in 2018 following court intervention, was reinstated last month by Bangladesh's High Court. This decision reignited public outrage and reignited mass protests among students.
While the quota system also includes provisions for women, disabled individuals, and ethnic minorities, the current demonstrations specifically target the quota for veterans' families. Protesters argue that this particular quota is discriminatory and serves to benefit political allies of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Prime Minister Hasina, in defense of the quota system, emphasized the sacrifices made by veterans during the independence movement, regardless of their present political affiliations. The ongoing unrest underscores the deep-seated tensions surrounding the allocation of government jobs in Bangladesh.
