Bangladesh: 32 Dead, State TV Headquarters Set Ablaze By Protestors

Furious protesters on Thursday, set fire to the headquarters of state-owned Bangladesh Television (BTV). The state broadcaster confirmed on Facebook that many people are currently trapped inside the building.

“Catastrophic fire at BTV. Spreading fast. We seek the cooperation of the Fire Service. Many people are trapped inside,” the broadcaster said. “Hundreds of protesters… set fire to the reception building.”

The country is grappling with extensive protests that have escalated into violence over the past few days, resulting in a death toll of 32. The demonstrations were sparked by the government’s decision, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, to introduce quotas for public sector jobs.

Protestors torch BTV building

An official at the station, who spoke to AFP on condition of anonymity, reported that hundreds of protesters had breached the premises, setting fire to at least 60 vehicles and an office building.

“They first torched a police post at Rampura after police opened fire at them,” he said, referring to a neighbourhood in the capital Dhaka.

“They chased the police officers when they took refuge at the BTV office. Angry protesters then caused mayhem here.”

A local news outlet, Prothom Alo, reported that a group of individuals gained entry to the BTV headquarters by breaking in and subsequently set fire to the vehicles parked inside the building.

Suspension of Internet services

On Thursday, Bangladesh ordered a nationwide shutdown of its mobile internet network, according to the country’s junior telecommunications minister, in response to student protests.

“Yes, we have,” Zunaid Ahmed Palak confirmed to AFP when asked about the measure, stating that it was necessary to “ensure the security of citizens.”

Hasina’s Response

On Wednesday, the prime minister of Bangladesh pledged to hold accountable those responsible for the deaths occurring in the ongoing student protests over civil service hiring regulations.

She said, “I firmly declare that those who carried out murders, looting and violence – whoever they are – I will make sure they will be given the appropriate punishment.”

Students Protest

According to a 2022 report by Bangladesh’s public administration ministry, the country has over 1.9 million civil servant positions. More than half of these positions are filled through affirmative action, which prioritizes women, residents of less developed areas, and other disadvantaged groups rather than purely on merit.

The most controversial aspect of the quota system is the allocation of 30 percent of posts for the children of freedom fighters from the 1971 liberation war against Pakistan. This quota system was established in 1972 by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the independence leader and father of the current Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina.

Protests by students in 2018 led Hasina’s administration to reduce the quota system. However, last month, the High Court ruled that this reduction was unlawful and mandated the government to reinstate the abolished freedom fighter quota.