Universities across Bangladesh have erupted in protests, with demonstrations turning violent and resulting in at least five deaths and hundreds of injuries. Students are raising their voices against the reinstatement of a 30 percent job quota for descendants of 1971 war veterans. The government has responded by cancelling classes and closing affiliated colleges until further notice.
Roots of the Protests
The protests began on July 1, following a decision by the Bangladesh High Court to reinstate the quota, which had been abolished in 2018 after widespread protests. Students from both government and private universities are demonstrating against the quotas, fearing they will be deprived of job opportunities. Nahid Islam, coordinator of the anti-quota protests, stated, “We are not against the quota system in general, but we want the 30 percent quota for the descendants of 1971 freedom fighters to be abolished.”
Government Response and Escalation
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s remarks during a press conference on Sunday further inflamed the situation. Hasina defended the quota, questioning who would receive benefits if not the descendants of freedom fighters. Her comments were seen as demeaning by student protesters, leading to intensified demonstrations and violent clashes.
Spread and Violence of Protests
On Monday, clashes erupted at Dhaka University between protesters and members of the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), the student wing of the ruling Awami League party. Violence spread to other universities, including Jahangir Nagar University, where BCL activists and police reportedly attacked demonstrators. Over 100 students were injured, and at least 50 were treated for pellet wounds.
Government’s Heavy-Handed Approach
The government has deployed riot police and paramilitary troops amid rising tensions. Prime Minister Hasina and other ministers have criticized the protesters, labeling them as “Razakars,” a derogatory term for collaborators with the Pakistani military during the 1971 Liberation War. Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan urged students to return to their institutes, accusing them of crossing their limits.
Opposition and Future Implications
The protests have gained political dimensions, with the main opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), and its student wing calling for further demonstrations. Experts warn that the government’s heavy-handed response could lead to more anger and instability. Asif Nazrul, a law professor at Dhaka University, criticized the government’s approach, suggesting that it is eager to suppress the protests.
Calls for a Resolution
Analysts urge the government to address the grievances of the students. Mohammad Abdur Razzaque, chairman of Research and Policy Integration for Development, stated, “The government needs to find a way to listen to the students’ concerns and find a fair solution to this quota issue. Resorting to violence and labeling the protesters as anti-national forces is only going to exacerbate the situation and deepen the divisions in Bangladeshi society.”
As the situation remains tense, the future of Bangladesh’s universities and the broader social stability of the country hang in the balance.
