BTN News: Bangladesh’s Supreme Court has changed a job quota system for public jobs. This decision came after many protests and clashes between police and demonstrators. The Court now says 93% of government jobs must be given based on merit. Only 7% will be reserved for families of veterans from the 1971 independence war and other groups. Before this, 30% of these jobs were for veterans’ families.
Weeks of Protests Led by Students Resulted in Deadly Clashes With Police
The Court’s decision came after weeks of protests, mainly by students. These protests turned deadly when they clashed with the police. On Tuesday, the police used tear gas, rubber bullets, and smoke grenades to stop the protesters. By Saturday, there were still some clashes in parts of Dhaka, the capital city, but it was unclear if there were new deaths.
Authorities Have Not Released Official Numbers of Dead and Injured But Reports Indicate Over 100 Deaths
Authorities have not given official numbers of the dead and injured. But a local newspaper, Daily Prothom Alo, said there were at least 103 deaths by Saturday. Soldiers were sent to patrol the cities, and a national curfew and internet ban were put in place. The Home Minister, Asaduzzaman Khan, said the curfew would be lifted for two hours on Sunday for people to run essential errands.
Government Declares Holidays and Restricts Operations to Emergency Services Only
To calm the situation, the government made Sunday and Monday holidays. Only emergency services could operate. The unrest showed the problems in Bangladesh’s economy and governance. Young people are frustrated because they can’t find good jobs after graduation. This is the biggest challenge for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina since her fourth term started in January. Major opposition groups boycotted this election.
Protesters Demand End to Discriminatory Quota System That Benefits Prime Minister’s Supporters
Protesters say the quota system is unfair and helps Hasina’s supporters. Her Awami League party led the independence movement. They want the quota system replaced with a merit-based one. But Hasina defends the quotas. She says veterans deserve respect for their role in the war against Pakistan, no matter their political side.
Representatives From Both Sides Meet to Resolve Dispute and Address Student Demands
Both sides met on Friday night to solve the dispute. Students want changes to the quota system, university dorms reopened, and university officials who failed to stop campus violence to resign.
Main Opposition Group Supports Protests But Denies Responsibility for Violence
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the main opposition group, supports the protests. They plan to hold their demonstrations after many of their followers joined the student protests. The BNP says they are not to blame for the violence. They reject claims from the ruling party that they are using the protests for political gain.
Summary Highlights Deep-Seated Frustrations and Challenges Facing Prime Minister Hasina’s Administration
In summary, changing the job quota system is a big step in Bangladesh. The protests and violence show deep frustrations among the youth. The government’s response, like sending soldiers and enforcing curfews, shows how serious the crisis is. This is a big challenge for Prime Minister Hasina’s government and shows the struggle for fair job opportunities in the country.
