In Bangladesh, student-led protests over the controversial job quota system show no signs of abating despite a partial victory granted by the country’s top court. The Supreme Court scaled back the quota system, a move seen as a win by protesters after a week of deadly demonstrations. However, student leaders have vowed to continue their protests until all detained individuals are freed and officials responsible for the crackdown resign. They have also called for a nationwide shutdown on Monday.
The protests, which have largely been led by students, turned deadly on Tuesday following a harsh response from police and violent attacks by governing party members. The death toll remains unclear, with some reports suggesting over 100 fatalities, predominantly among demonstrators.
Military Patrols and Curfew
In response to the unrest, soldiers are patrolling cities across Bangladesh, and an indefinite curfew has been imposed. A communications blackout has severely restricted the flow of information, complicating efforts to ascertain the full extent of the violence. The government, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has condemned opposition politicians, accusing them of inciting anarchy. At least 70 members of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party have been arrested.
International Reactions
Germany has issued a travel warning advising against travel to Bangladesh, citing the ongoing violence and the communications shutdown. The German Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged those already in the country to follow the curfew strictly and stock up on essential supplies.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs reported that approximately 4,500 Indian nationals have returned home after fleeing the violence. Additionally, 500 students from Nepal, 38 from Bhutan, and one from the Maldives have arrived in India.
Protesters’ Resolve
Despite the heavy-handed response, student leaders have not backed down. They are planning a nationwide shutdown and funeral prayers for those killed in the clashes. The government continues to accuse opposition figures of exacerbating the violence, but protesters like Ahsan Habib, a private university student, remain undeterred. Habib described the situation on the streets as a battle where protesters were defending themselves against bullets with bricks.
Government Stance and Media Blackout
The government has heavily censored television broadcasts, and the internet remains blocked, further hindering communication. Tanvir Chowdhury, reporting from Dhaka, noted that telephones are not functioning properly, adding to the isolation faced by many Bangladeshis.
The situation in Bangladesh remains volatile, with both sides entrenched in their positions. The coming days and weeks will be critical in determining the future course of the protests and the government’s response.
