BTN News: In a violent clash at Jahangirnagar University near Dhaka, Bangladesh, many people were hurt as police used tear gas and batons to break up students. The fights began early Tuesday between a student group that supports the government and those protesting a job quota for descendants of independence war heroes.
Protests Over Job Quota for War Heroes’ Descendants Lead to Violent Clashes at Jahangirnagar University
The violence happened at the university in Savar, near Dhaka. Protesters wanted to stop a job quota that gives government jobs to families of those who fought in the 1971 war of independence. This system also reserves jobs for women, disabled people, and ethnic minorities. The quota system was stopped in 2018 after similar protests, but a recent court decision to bring back a 30% quota for war heroes’ descendants started new protests.
Supreme Court Halts High Court Order but Protests Continue to Disrupt Daily Life in Dhaka
Protesters support a 6% quota for disabled people and ethnic minorities but do not support the quota for war heroes’ descendants. The Supreme Court stopped the High Court’s order last week and asked students to go back to classes while the court makes a final decision. Even so, protests have continued every day and have caused major traffic problems in Dhaka.
Many Students Suffer Injuries from Rubber Bullets as Violence Spreads to Vice-Chancellor’s Residence
At least 50 people were treated at Enam University Hospital near Jahangirnagar University. Many had injuries from rubber bullets. Protesters blamed the Bangladesh Chhatra League, a student group of the ruling Awami League, for attacking their peaceful protests early Tuesday. Reports said that the violence spread after protesters gathered outside the vice-chancellor’s residence, leading to clashes with police and government supporters.
Police Use Tear Gas and Blank Rounds to Disperse Protesters After Officers Are Injured
Police officer Abdullahil Kafi told the Daily Star, the top English newspaper in the country, that tear gas and blank rounds were used after protesters attacked the police. About 15 officers were injured. This incident came after similar clashes at Dhaka University on Monday, where over 100 students were injured.
Political Strife Over Quota System and Leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government has been criticized for supporting the quota system. Hasina’s Awami League party, which led the independence war under her father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman with India’s help, supports keeping the quota for war heroes’ families. This is different from the opposition parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, which opposed the independence war and supported Pakistan.
Ongoing Protests Reflect Deep Divisions and Future Uncertainty in Bangladesh
Hasina has stayed in power since the January elections, which the main opposition party boycotted. Her refusal to give power to a caretaker government before the elections has caused more unrest. The Awami League’s strong position in Bangladeshi politics and its role in the independence war are still big issues. These events will likely have a major impact on student protests and the political future of Bangladesh.
As protests continue, the country is waiting for the Supreme Court’s final decision on the quota system. This decision could change jobs and fairness in Bangladesh. The ongoing fights show the deep divides in the country’s politics and society. These issues are challenges that Bangladesh must face as it moves forward.
