Bangladesh Protests Turn Deadly: 39 Killed, State Broadcaster Set Ablaze

Violent clashes between student protesters and security officials over a quota system for government jobs have led to widespread chaos in Bangladesh. The unrest has resulted in 39 deaths so far, marking one of the most violent episodes in the country’s recent history.

Unrest and Clashes

The protests, which began over a month ago, have intensified, leading to violent confrontations across the country. Students armed with sticks and rocks clashed with police, who responded with tear gas and rubber bullets. The capital city, Dhaka, became a battleground as protesters attempted to shut down transportation and paralyze the nation.

Escalation of Violence

Thursday marked the most violent day of the protests, with students setting fire to the state broadcaster’s building. The unrest continued as multiple police posts, vehicles, and other establishments were torched. The violence has injured hundreds, further escalating the situation.

Communication Disruptions

In an attempt to control the chaos, authorities have cut some mobile services, leading to widespread communication disruptions. According to outage monitor NetBlocks, Bangladesh experienced a “near-total” internet shutdown as night fell. Telephone calls from overseas were mostly not getting connected, exacerbating the crisis.

Government Response

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina appeared on the state broadcaster, seeking to calm the clashes. However, her address was met with continued violence, as students torched the network’s building the following day. The government has accused opposition groups of infiltrating the protests and inciting violence.

Demands of Protesters

The protesters are demanding the abolition of a quota system that reserves 30 percent of government jobs for the families of those who fought in the 1971 war of independence from Pakistan. They argue that the system is discriminatory and benefits supporters of the ruling Awami League. Despite the government’s abolition of these quotas in 2018, a High Court reinstated them, leading to renewed protests.

Prime Minister’s Appeal

Prime Minister Hasina has appealed for peace, assuring the students that their concerns will be addressed by the Supreme Court, which is set to hear the government’s appeal against the reinstatement of the quota. She has also promised judicial inquiries into the violence and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice.

International Reaction

The international community has reacted to the violence with concern. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for restraint by all sides and urged authorities to investigate the violence. “The secretary-general encourages the meaningful and constructive participation of youth to address the ongoing challenges in Bangladesh. Violence can never be the solution,” said UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric.

The protests in Bangladesh have highlighted deep-seated frustrations and the urgent need for dialogue and reform. As the country navigates this turbulent period, the focus remains on achieving a peaceful resolution that addresses the grievances of the protesters while maintaining stability and order.