Violent Clashes at Jahangir Nagar University
Bangladesh Protests Turn Deadly: Unrest Escalates with 32 Fatalities, Jahangir Nagar University in Savar, just outside Dhaka, Bangladesh, became the epicenter of a fierce confrontation over a controversial quota system. The clash involved a pro-government student body and student protesters, leading to a violent altercation that saw police resorting to tear gas and baton charges overnight.
State-Backed Television Headquarters Set Ablaze
The intensity of the unrest escalated as angry protesters set fire to the headquarters of Bangladesh Television (BTV), a state-backed broadcaster. BTV confirmed the incident on Facebook, stating that many people were trapped inside the office. The post read, “Catastrophic fire at BTV. Spreading fast. We seek the cooperation of the Fire Service. Many people are trapped inside. Hundreds of protesters set fire to the reception building.”
Nationwide Protests and Rising Death Toll
Bangladesh has been gripped by widespread protests, which have turned increasingly violent in recent days. The death toll has now reached 32, following the government’s decision to introduce public sector job quotas. The demonstrators’ anger culminated in the attack on the BTV headquarters, where an official revealed that hundreds of protesters stormed the premises, setting alight at least 60 vehicles and an office building.
Protesters Target Police and BTV Office
An anonymous official from the station reported that the protesters first torched a police post in Rampura after police opened fire on them. The protesters then chased the police officers, who sought refuge at the BTV office, causing further mayhem.
Internet Services Suspended Amid Unrest
In a bid to control the escalating situation, Bangladesh ordered a nationwide shutdown of its mobile internet network. Zunaid Ahmed Palak, the junior telecommunications minister, confirmed the measure, citing the need to ensure citizens’ security.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Firm Stance
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has vowed to punish those responsible for the violence and killings. She stated, “I firmly declare that those who carried out murders, looting, and violence – whoever they are – I will make sure they will be given the appropriate punishment.”
The Roots of the Student Protests
The protests are rooted in a contentious quota system for public sector jobs. According to a 2022 report by Bangladesh’s public administration ministry, over half of the 1.9 million civil servant posts are filled under affirmative action rules, prioritizing women, residents of less developed districts, and other disadvantaged groups. The most controversial aspect is the reservation of 30 percent of posts for children of freedom fighters from the 1971 liberation war against Pakistan.
Historical Context and Legal Battles
The current quota system was introduced in 1972 by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the independence leader and father of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Earlier protests in 2018 led Hasina’s administration to reduce the scope of the quota scheme. However, last month, the High Court ruled this reduction unlawful and ordered the government to reinstate the freedom fighter category. This ruling has fueled the current wave of protests.
Escalating Violence and Government Response
At least 23 people have been killed and hundreds injured in clashes between police and demonstrators, who have called for a “complete shutdown.” The government’s offer for talks has been rejected by the protesters, who cite the high death toll as a reason for their refusal.
Latest Developments
The situation remains volatile, with at least 19 protesters killed today, primarily in the capital, Dhaka, and others in Narayanganj and Chittagong. The government has imposed restrictions on mobile internet access, which has been criticized by media rights groups as an “internet blackout.” Netblocks, an organization that monitors internet shutdowns, reported a “near-total national internet shutdown.”
Bangladesh Law Minister Anisul Huq stated that government officials are willing to negotiate with the protesters, but the protesters have rejected this offer due to the ongoing violence and fatalities. Clashes between protesters, police, and pro-government student groups continue into the night, with the death toll expected to rise further.
Conclusion
The situation in Bangladesh remains dire, with violent protests over a controversial quota system leading to significant loss of life and widespread unrest. The government’s efforts to control the situation through internet shutdowns and calls for negotiations have so far failed to quell the anger of the demonstrators. As the death toll rises and clashes continue, the country’s future stability hangs in the balance.