In Bangladesh, student protests are set to resume on Monday after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government failed to address key demands from the Students Against Discrimination group. The protests, which initially erupted over civil service job quotas, have led to significant unrest and casualties. The government’s response has included deploying troops, imposing curfews, and shutting down the internet. As tensions remain high, the protesters are calling for major concessions from the government, including the release of arrested leaders and a public apology for the violence.
BulletsIn
- Student protests in Bangladesh are resuming after an ultimatum was ignored by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government.
- The unrest, which began over civil service job quotas, resulted in at least 205 deaths, including several police officers.
- The protests are among the worst during Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year tenure.
- The government has responded by deploying troops, imposing curfews, and shutting down the internet nationwide.
- Many leaders of the Students Against Discrimination group have been arrested, with over 9,000 people detained in total.
- Protesters are demanding the release of arrested leaders, a public apology from Hasina, the dismissal of certain ministers, and the reopening of schools and universities.
- The nationwide curfew remains in force but has been progressively eased, and mobile internet services were restored after an 11-day blackout.
- The protests were triggered by the reintroduction of a quota scheme reserving government jobs for certain groups, which has angered job-seeking graduates.
- Critics argue that the quota system is used to favor ruling party loyalists.
- Sheikh Hasina, in power since 2009, won her fourth consecutive term in January’s election, which was marked by accusations of vote-rigging and suppression of opposition.
