Streets in Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka appeared calm on Monday, following the Supreme Court’s decision to scrap most government job quotas. These quotas, which had reserved state jobs for descendants of freedom fighters and other groups, had sparked violent protests led by students.
Protesters, who had given the government 48 hours to meet a series of demands, including a public apology from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the restoration of internet access, appeared to be obeying a curfew on Monday. The unrest, which has resulted in at least 147 deaths according to hospital information, was triggered by the reinstatement of the quotas by a high court in June.
Experts attribute the violence to stagnant job growth in the private sector and high youth unemployment rates, making government jobs, with their regular wage hikes and other benefits, highly desirable. The recent clashes echo similar violent protests in January, where Hasina’s opponents protested her rule, and garment workers demanded better pay amidst high inflation.
The Supreme Court’s Appellate Division ruled in favor of the government’s appeal, overturning the lower court’s decision and scrapping most quotas. The ruling dictates that 93 percent of government jobs should be open to candidates on merit.
Despite the Supreme Court’s decision, the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement issued a statement demanding the government reopen campuses, end restrictions imposed during the protests, and resign several ministers and university officials. They also called for the dismissal of police officers involved in the student deaths.
The Movement’s leader, Hasnat Abdullah, emphasized their ultimatum, demanding the government meet their eight-point demands within 48 hours, without specifying consequences if the demands are ignored.
The government has yet to comment on the new demands.
Thousands were injured in last week’s protests, as security forces used tear gas, rubber bullets, and sound grenades to disperse demonstrators. Protesters claim some of their leaders, including Nahid Islam, were detained. Islam alleges he was picked up by police and tortured before being left on the streets. Reuters was unable to independently verify this claim.
Bangladesh’s economy, which was once one of the fastest-growing in the world, has struggled since the COVID-19 pandemic. The war in Ukraine has led to costly energy imports, shrinking dollar reserves and fueling inflation. This situation has forced the government to seek a bailout from the International Monetary Fund.
