Violent protests have erupted across Bangladesh regarding reservations. So far, 39 protesters have died. To control the violence, mobile internet has been shut down. The army has been deployed on the streets throughout the country.
Violence has erupted in Bangladesh, India’s neighboring country, against reservations in government jobs. Currently, students are out on the streets. This is the second major student movement against reservations since 2018.
The fire against reservations in Bangladesh has intensified. During violent student protests, buses and vehicles are being set on fire. Internet services have been shut down in the country. Buses, trains, and metros are all closed. The army is marching to control the situation. It is reported that at least 39 people have died and more than 2,500 people have been injured in these violent protests. According to local media reports, protesting students set fire to the Bangladesh TV Center in Rampura, South Dhaka.
These demonstrations highlight the growing frustration among Bangladesh’s youth, with nearly 32 million young people out of work or education in a population of 170 million.
Indian High Commission’s Advisory
The Indian High Commission has issued an advisory for Indians residing in Bangladesh. It states that given the current situation in Bangladesh, members of the Indian community and Indian students living in Bangladesh are advised to avoid travel. They should stay indoors unless absolutely necessary. The High Commission has also released some emergency contact numbers that are available 24 hours for assistance.
Reason Behind Ongoing Protest
Bangladesh was formed in 1971, and the 56% quota system was implemented that same year. Of the 56% reservation in government jobs, 30% is allocated to relatives of freedom fighters, 10% to women, 10% to people living in backward districts, 5% to indigenous people, and 1% to disabled individuals. Similar to India, government jobs in Bangladesh are considered a stable source of income. Approximately 400,000 graduates take exams each year for 3,000 government jobs.
In 2018, after four months of student protests, the Hasina government abolished the quota system. However, last month in June, the Supreme Court ordered the government to reinstate the reservations. The court directed that reservations be implemented in the same manner as before 2018. This has led to protests across the entire country.