Resurgence of Student Protests in Dhaka
Bangladesh students have announced a resurgence of street protests scheduled for Monday, in response to the government’s disregard for their ultimatum, which demanded the release of detained student leaders and an apology for the fatalities in last week’s violence. These protests arise amidst a backdrop of severe unrest against civil service job quotas, which recently culminated in the deaths of at least 205 individuals, including several police officers.
Government Response to Civil Unrest
In an attempt to quell the escalating violence—the worst seen in Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule—the government has deployed troops, imposed a nationwide curfew, and temporarily shut down internet access. Despite these measures, at least half a dozen leaders from the Students Against Discrimination group remain in custody, with thousands more detained across the country.
Calls for Solidarity and Continued Protests
Abdul Kader, a coordinator for the student group, criticized the government’s insensitivity to their cause. He urged all Bangladesh citizens to join the upcoming protests to strengthen their demands, which include not only the release of their peers but also a formal apology from Prime Minister Hasina, the dismissal of complicit ministers, and the reopening of educational institutions.
Nationwide Arrests and International Attention
Following the unrest, nearly 9,000 individuals have been arrested, reflecting the government’s stern approach to dissent. The student protests initially triggered by the reinstatement of a controversial quota system for government jobs have drawn international concern over the government’s handling of the crisis and its implications for civil liberties.
Internet Restoration and Government Confidence
The government’s restoration of mobile internet services after an 11-day blackout indicates a tentative step towards normalcy. This move coincides with a slight easing of the curfew, suggesting a cautious optimism from the government about regaining control over the volatile situation.
The Quota Controversy and the Youth Job Crisis
The root of the protests lies in the government’s policy to reserve more than half of all civil service positions for specific groups, exacerbating an already acute job crisis among the country’s youth. Despite a recent judicial reduction in the reserved quota, the adjustment falls short of the protestors’ demands for a complete abolition, continuing to fuel discontent among the nation’s educated young population.
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