Deadly Clashes Erupt in Bangladesh Over Job Quotas
- Recent protests in Bangladesh over job quotas have turned violent, resulting in numerous fatalities and injuries.
- Clashes occurred between demonstrators and police, leading to a chaotic scene with evidence of violence across the streets.
- The situation underscores deep social tensions as citizens demand urgent reforms to employment policies.
DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP) — Violent confrontations between police and demonstrators advocating for job quota reforms have resulted in numerous fatalities and left the streets stained with blood. The unrest, primarily driven by students frustrated with limited job opportunities, centers around a controversial quota system that allocates 30% of government positions to relatives of veterans from the 1971 war of independence. In a significant development, Bangladesh's Supreme Court recently reduced the veterans' quota to 5%, with a substantial 93% of jobs now designated to be filled based on merit. The remaining 2% will be reserved for marginalized groups, including ethnic minorities, transgender individuals, and people with disabilities. This ruling has intensified the protests, marking a critical challenge to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government, which has faced increasing dissent since her re-election in January amid a boycott by major opposition parties. As the protests escalated, universities were closed, internet access was restricted, and authorities imposed stay-at-home orders. The violence peaked on Tuesday when clashes erupted at Dhaka University, leading to police deploying tear gas, rubber bullets, and smoke grenades against demonstrators. While official figures on casualties remain undisclosed, local media reports suggest that over 100 individuals may have lost their lives in the ongoing turmoil. The situation continues to evolve as tensions between the government and protesters mount.