Bangladesh has imposed a curfew and deployed military forces following days of violent protests against government job quotas. The unrest, the largest since Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s re-election, challenges the reservation system favoring relatives of war heroes. Protesters claim the system is discriminatory and benefits the ruling party, while the government defends it as a tribute to veterans’ contributions.
Violent protests erupted in Bangladesh over a reinstated government jobs quota, leading to a death toll of 64 and a nationwide internet shutdown. The demonstrations, which began on Monday, pose a significant challenge to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government and could further impact the country’s economy.
Bangladesh is facing a wave of anti-quota protests, sparked by a high court order restoring job quotas for descendants of war veterans. These protests are a symptom of deeper issues plaguing the country: high unemployment, a struggling economy, and a growing debt burden, largely due to Chinese loans. The government’s response has been heavy-handed, further fueling public anger and highlighting the government’s struggle to address the root causes of the unrest.
Bangladesh is grappling with the aftermath of deadly student protests, the worst yet in an ongoing dispute over a quota system. At least 39 people have died, including 32 on Thursday, with clashes reported across the country. Protesters have torched government buildings, prompting authorities to impose a nationwide internet blackout and deploy the army. The protests, fueled by economic hardship and historical political tensions, have also exposed vulnerabilities in Bangladesh’s internet infrastructure and highlighted the government’s struggle to maintain order.
New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters has called for increased diplomacy and compromise to resolve the ongoing crisis in New Caledonia, which has seen violent protests since May. The protests stem from France’s approval of electoral reforms that indigenous Kanaks fear will dilute their voting power and hinder future independence referendums. Peters emphasized the need for dialogue and mediation, highlighting the Pacific Islands Forum’s potential role in facilitating a resolution.
Students in Bangladesh have launched widespread protests against the quota system for government jobs, leading to violence, including the setting of fire to the state broadcaster. The protests stem from the controversial quota system, which allocates up to 30% of government jobs to veterans’ families from the 1971 independence war. Students demand the abolition of this system, arguing it is discriminatory and favors the ruling party. Despite the government’s support for the quota system, the protests continue, fueled by frustration over limited job opportunities and perceived unfairness.
Protests in Bangladesh over job quotas have turned violent, with protesters setting fire to the Bangladesh Television (BTV) headquarters and the government imposing a nationwide internet shutdown. The protests, triggered by the government’s decision to introduce public sector job quotas, have resulted in the deaths of 16 people. Protesters, angry over the government’s response to their demands, stormed the BTV building, setting fire to vehicles and an office building. The prime minister has vowed to punish those responsible for the violence.
The US has condemned violence against protesters in Bangladesh, calling on the government to uphold the right to peaceful assembly. This comes after Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina criticized the US’ handling of pro-Palestine protests earlier this year. The ongoing tensions stem from a controversial job quota system that has sparked violent protests in Bangladesh, highlighting the strained relationship between the two nations.
Kenyan police have banned demonstrations in central Nairobi, citing infiltration by criminal gangs, as anti-government protests continue across the country. These protests, sparked by proposed tax hikes, have resulted in at least 50 deaths and ongoing calls for President Ruto’s resignation and systemic reforms. Despite concessions from Ruto, including withdrawing the legislation and dismissing his cabinet, the protests persist, highlighting a deep-seated crisis in the country.
Kenya’s police chief Japhet Koome resigned on Friday after facing intense criticism for the police’s handling of recent anti-government protests, which led to the deaths of at least 39 people. This comes a day after President William Ruto dismissed his entire cabinet in response to the protests. The president’s actions appear to be a bid to appease protesters who have been demanding his resignation.
