DHAKA – Following a week of intense protests and a government-imposed curfew, Bangladesh has managed to restore a semblance of order. However, the underlying issues that fueled the unrest, primarily revolving around job quotas, continue to stir anger and discontent among the populace.
The protests erupted in early July, originating in universities and colleges before spreading nationwide. Demonstrators took to the streets to oppose the reinstatement of job quotas that reserve 56% of government positions for certain groups. These quotas had been scrapped by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government in 2018 but were reinstated by a high court ruling in June.
The protests quickly escalated, leading to violent clashes with security forces. Police used rubber bullets, tear gas, and sound grenades to disperse the crowds. The government denied using live ammunition, but hospitals reported injuries consistent with bullet wounds.
The protests resulted in nearly 150 deaths, marking one of the deadliest periods of unrest in recent years. Despite the government’s heavy-handed response, which included deploying the army and imposing an internet blackout, the root causes of the discontent remain unaddressed.
Rights groups and opposition figures have criticized Hasina’s administration for its authoritarian tendencies. They argue that the government’s response to the protests highlights a broader pattern of repressing dissent and curtailing civil liberties. Badiul Alam Majumdar, secretary of Shushahoner Jonno Nagorik, a civil society platform for good governance, described the protests as “just the tip of the iceberg.”
“People are being deprived of their basic rights, with a significant lack of human rights and justice,” Majumdar said. “The government’s use of force against students will only breed further discontent.”
Hasina, who has been in power since 2009, has faced accusations of becoming increasingly autocratic. Her tenure has seen mass arrests of political opponents, forced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings. These actions have drawn international condemnation and calls for greater respect for human rights.
The recent unrest has also brought attention to the country’s economic challenges. High youth unemployment and stagnant job growth in the private sector have made government jobs, with their regular wage increases and benefits, particularly attractive. Experts argue that these economic pressures have fueled the protests.
Mohammad Abdur Razzaque, chairman of Dhaka think-tank Research and Policy Integration for Development, emphasized the need for comprehensive economic reforms. “The government needs to invest in sectors like health and education to create more jobs, especially for young people,” he said.
The government has announced plans to review the job quota system and address the concerns of the protesters. However, many remain skeptical of these promises. Asif Mahmud, a student leader who was allegedly detained and abused by authorities, voiced the frustration of many demonstrators.
“There have been killings. Nobody is addressing that,” Mahmud said. “These murders should be investigated. Those responsible must be held accountable.”
International observers have called for an independent investigation into the violence and urged the Bangladeshi government to uphold the right to peaceful protest. The United Nations, the United States, and the United Kingdom have all expressed concern over the government’s response to the demonstrations.
As Bangladesh moves forward, the government faces the challenge of addressing the deep-seated issues that sparked the protests. Failure to do so could lead to further unrest and undermine the country’s stability. The recent events have underscored the need for meaningful reforms and greater respect for human rights to ensure a peaceful and prosperous future for all Bangladeshis.