BTN News: Authorities in Bangladesh have called for the closure of all universities across the country following deadly protests over government job allocations. At least six people were killed in violent clashes on Tuesday, prompting a police raid on the headquarters of the main opposition party.
The University of Dhaka, the epicenter of the unrest, announced an indefinite suspension of classes and closure of its dormitories. A university official, speaking anonymously, confirmed this to The Associated Press, citing a lack of authorization to speak to the media.
The University Grants Commission has recommended that all public and private universities close their doors until further notice to ensure student safety. However, this directive lacks legal enforcement, leaving uncertainty about compliance among institutions.
Tuesday’s violence saw fatalities in various locations as discontented students clashed with pro-government student activists and police. The unrest was reported in Dhaka, the southeastern city of Chattogram, and Rangpur in the north.
Overnight, Dhaka police raided the offices of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), accusing it of inciting the violence. Police Inspector General Harun-or-Rashid reported the arrest of seven members of the BNP’s student wing in connection with the torching of two buses. During the raid, authorities seized 100 makeshift bombs, 500 wooden and bamboo sticks, and several bottles of gasoline.
BNP senior leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi condemned the raid, accusing the government of orchestrating it to divert attention from the protests.
The demonstrations began late last month, demanding the abolition of a quota system reserving 30% of government jobs for relatives of veterans from the 1971 independence war. The situation escalated on Monday when clashes at the University of Dhaka left around 100 people injured.
The violence spread to Jahangirnagar University in Savar, on the outskirts of the capital, and continued at various locations nationwide on Tuesday. By Wednesday, isolated protests persisted at the University of Dhaka and elsewhere, with police deployed on campuses and paramilitary border forces patrolling the streets of major cities.
Protesters argue that the quota system is discriminatory, favoring supporters of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League party, which led the independence movement. While government jobs are also reserved for women, people with disabilities, and ethnic minorities, protesters are specifically targeting the veterans’ quota.
Despite growth in private sector job opportunities, many Bangladeshis prefer government jobs for their stability and better pay. Each year, about 400,000 graduates compete for just 3,000 government positions through a rigorous exam process.
The quota system was temporarily suspended in 2018 following a court order after massive student protests. However, the High Court reinstated the system last month, sparking renewed student outrage and demonstrations.
Last week, the Supreme Court suspended the High Court’s order for four weeks, urging students to return to their studies. Nevertheless, protests have continued unabated, reflecting deep-seated frustrations over job allocations and government policies.
As the situation remains volatile, the future of educational institutions in Bangladesh hangs in the balance, with authorities striving to maintain order amid growing unrest.
