Bangladesh Erupts: Supreme Court Slashes Controversial Job Quotas Amid Deadly Protests and Unrest
July 22, 2024Protests in Bangladesh over the government's reintroduction of a controversial quota system for public positions resulted in violent clashes and over 150 deaths.
The Supreme Court has abolished most quotas on government jobs following nationwide protests that turned violent and resulted in at least 139 deaths.
The quota system, which reserved 56% of jobs for specific groups, had been scrapped by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2018 but was reinstated by a lower court, sparking the protests.
Despite the Supreme Court's intervention to reduce the quota from 30 to 7 percent, tensions remain high as the population grapples with economic challenges, high unemployment, and inflation.
Protests, led by students, continued despite a crackdown by security forces that included an internet shutdown and curfew.
Protest organizers plan to continue their actions until demands are met, including the release of detained student leaders and the restoration of internet and cellular services.
The government has extended the curfew indefinitely and implemented restrictions on public gatherings.
The ongoing unrest challenges Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's control as the country continues to experience widespread revolt against her regime.
Summary based on 108 sources
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Sources
The New York Times • Jul 20, 2024
Bangladesh Orders Curfew to Quell Deadly ProtestsThe New York Times • Jul 19, 2024
The Protests in BangladeshThe New York Times • Jul 19, 2024
Student Protests in Bangladesh Turn Deadly: What to KnowThe New York Times • Jul 16, 2024
Bangladesh Deploys Border Force to Try to Quell Student Protests